Learning, Leading, and Letting Knowledge Live On

From First Spanner to Team Leader: A Turbines Journey

Some careers are carefully planned. Others begin with curiosity, opportunity, and a willingness to say yes. For Alex Young, it all started at just 16 years old — during school holidays — when a fascination with engineering met a timely opportunity.

A foot in the door came through family, with work experience at Salus Aviation arranged by a cousin. What began as holiday work quickly became something more meaningful. The moment Alex first put a spanner on a gas turbine engine, a long-term career in aviation quietly took shape.

Finding a Home in Turbines

Turbines was Alex’s first real exposure to the aviation industry, and it left a lasting impression. The complexity of engines, the science behind power delivery, and the responsibility that comes with maintaining critical aircraft systems sparked a deep and enduring interest.

That early exposure became the foundation for a career that would grow alongside the team itself.

Milestones That Stick With You

Ask any engineer about their early career, and there’s often one moment they never forget. For Alex, it was his first field job — in Wānaka.

"You never forget your first," he cheekily grins.

Those early experiences, working away from the workshop and applying skills in real-world environments, helped shape both confidence and capability.

An Evolving Workshop, An Evolving Team

Over the years, the Turbines workshop has transformed dramatically.

A new team. A new workshop. A new OEM. A new dynamic. A new culture.

Change has been constant, but always progressive. With each evolution came new ways of working, new challenges to solve, and new standards to meet — all contributing to a stronger, more capable operation.

Pride in Progress and Performance

When asked about achievements, there isn’t a single project that stands above the rest. Instead, pride comes from the collective growth of the team’s technical capability — particularly in engine performance analysis and troubleshooting.

"We’re constantly learning and adapting," he explains. "So we can give the customer what they need for their specific application."

That mindset — of continuous improvement and customer-focused solutions — has become a defining feature of the Salus Aviation Turbines team.

Technology Changing the Game

The shift to digital resources has been one of the most impactful changes in aviation maintenance.

Online manuals, evolving technical publications, and instant access to information — even on field repairs halfway around the world — have made work safer, more efficient, and more consistent.

"Having that information at the touch of a button is always going to be a positive for the industry," he says.

A Team Built on Growth and Culture

What stands out most about working in the Turbines team isn’t just the technical work — it’s the people.

Watching the team grow, and knowing he played a role in training and mentoring every member, brings Alex a strong sense of pride and job satisfaction.

The culture sets the team apart.

There are no tasks above or below anyone. One day might involve certifying an engine for release to service; the next could be disassembly and cleaning. Flexibility, humility, and mutual support are simply part of how the team operates.

"It genuinely feels like a team," he says.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

Aviation leaves little room for complacency, and one of the most important lessons learned has been about mistakes.

"Mistakes come easy and often — that’s inevitable," he reflects. "But learning from them, and passing that lesson on to the next generation, affects everyone in aviation."

It’s a perspective shaped by experience, responsibility, and a commitment to safer skies.

Advice for the Next Generation

For new engineers joining the team today, Alex’s advice is simple — but powerful:

“Learn to learn.”

“Aviation is a vast industry with a lot of knowledge,” he continues, “and no one person is going to be the expert in everything, take the time to collaborate and learn from whomever you can. Excel in your area and trust that others will excel in theirs. Teamwork makes the dream work.”

Looking Back — and Forward

Now 32, Alex reflects on a journey that began 16 years ago with a school holiday placement and a single opportunity.

He worked where he was needed. He did what was asked. He committed fully.

Today, he has the privilege of leading one of the best Turbines teams in the world.

"Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey," he says.

And with that, Alex’s story comes full circle — from first spanner to trusted leader, driven by passion, teamwork, and a deep respect for the craft of aviation maintenance.