Sydney Flight College partners with Symbiotics to strengthen pilot training outcomes and support Australia's aviation workforce

Sydney Flight College (SFC) has partnered with global aviation assessment specialist Symbiotics to enhance its pilot cadet selection process, helping improve student success rates and support the development of Australia's future pilot workforce.

Under the partnership, SFC will implement Symbiotics' industry-leading online ADAPT assessment platform across both its Bankstown College and Tamworth Pilot Academy, creating a consistent, evidence-based selection process for all cadet applicants regardless of where they apply from. 

The initiative forms part of SFC's ongoing commitment to improving student outcomes by identifying candidates with the aptitude, cognitive skills and behavioural attributes most closely aligned to success in pilot training.

The partnership comes at a significant time for the aviation industry. The Australian Government's 2024 Aviation White Paper highlighted ongoing shortages of pilots, flight instructors and aviation engineers as a key constraint on industry growth, particularly across regional aviation. 

By improving candidate selection and supporting higher course completion rates, SFC aims to increase the number of qualified pilots progressing into the aviation workforce.

SFC CEO Joseph Pilo said the partnership represents an important investment in student success and the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry. 

"Our goal is simple: to give every student who joins Sydney Flight College the best possible opportunity to succeed," he said. 

"By adopting the same assessment platform used by airlines around the world, we're introducing an additional level of confidence and consistency into our selection process. The Australian Government has identified pilot shortages as a significant challenge for the industry, and flight training organisations play a critical role in addressing that challenge. Ultimately, success for us isn't measured by environments. It's measured by students completing their training, achieving their licences and going on to build successful careers in aviation."

Symbiotics Director of Strategy and Growth, Hannah Davies, said the partnership reflects a growing industry focus on selection candidates with the greatest potential to succeed throughout training and beyond. 

"The aviation industry needs more pilots, but addressing that demand isn't simply about increasing training numbers. It's about identifying individuals with the aptitude, capability and personal attributes required to succeed through what is an intensive and demanding training journey. 

By introducing a proven, industry-recognised assessment process at the earliest stages of recruitment, Sydney Flight College is taking a proactive approach to improving training outcomes and supporting the long-term strength of the pilot pipeline. We're delighted to partner with SFC and support their commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals."