The potential for a boost in RAN recruiting follows the "green light" for the highly successful Navy Youth Program to be expanded to Western Australia.

The first 20 young men and women are expected to begin paid work experience at FIMA/Perth next month (July).

Advertisements are now being taken out in newspapers in the Rockingham/Fremantle area inviting people aged between 16 and 9 months and 22 years and with a Year 10 Certificate to apply for a place.

During their eight weeks participation they will be rotated through FIMA/Perth's numerous workshops trying their hand at many skills.

At the end of the course, at which they are paid $337 per week, the students will be invited to join the Navy.

FIMA officers will assist them to do so.

In the first two courses run by FIMA/Sydney 36 of the 40 participants applied to join the RAN.

The first successful applicant, SMN Craig McClure graduated from the RAN's primary training establishment, HMAS Cerberus in May.

The Navy Youth Program is the concept of the commanding officer of FIMA/Sydney, LCDR Rick Barnett.

Knowing that there is a shortage of sailors in many categories, particularly technical, last year he obtained permission and funds to do a pilot scheme.

With the help of an employment agency he brought in 20 young men and women, put them with tradesmen in his branch and gave them preliminary skills in the mechanical workshop, carpentry, electrical shop and the corrosion control division.

They also do abseiling, rock climbing, sailing and sport.

Sixteen of the 20 applied to join the RAN. All 20 of Course 2 applied to join. Another 32 are now in Courses 3 and 3A. LCDR Barnett has sought and last week obtained funding to expand the NYP to Western Australia.

"We plan to run a total of eight courses next financial year," he said.

"Four will be in Sydney and four at HMAS Stirling.

"They will go for eight weeks and have 20 young people per course.

"We plan to begin the first course at FIMA/Perth next month (July).

"Applicants are now sought and we will be advertising locally for them.

"They should be aged between 16 and 9 months and 22, be physically fit and have a Year 10 Certificate.

"I see the expansion of the program to the west as a potential boost for Navy recruiting," he said.

LCDR Barnett said that any parent of a young person interested in taking part should contact an Australia-wide number 1300 136289.

There are currently 12,800 members of the PNF with plans to increase the number to 14,000.

By Graham Davis