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Boost for birdies
By SBLT Matthew Schroder
Volume 50, No. 18, October 04, 2007 |
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CHANGES: Many new Sea Change initiatives will improve the wellbeing of aviation maintainers.
Photo: POPH Damian Pawlenko |
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With the focus of Sea Change being unashamedly retention, the program is particularly pertinent to aviation sailors.
How though, can a scheme ostensibly focused at mainstream seagoers, improve the often-differing circumstances of aviation maintainers?
Numerous initiatives are being introduced as part of Sea Change to enhance the wellbeing of sailors in general, many of which apply to aviation maintainers.
Most sailors would be aware that the onus of career management is being returned to the individual.
The introduction of Five Year Career Plans (FYCP) has enabled sailors to have more influence and control over their career progression and more certainty regarding geographic location.
In addition, for aviation maintainers seeking a transfer to commissioned rank — as aircrew, engineer or otherwise — the process has been made easier through the creation of the Career Transition Advisory Cell (CTAC).
CTAC has made access to information for officer applicants easier and more streamlined.
Further information is available via the DSCM website.
Almost all training undertaken by aviation maintenance sailors has now been reviewed to align with similar trades in the civilian world.
On completion of a Junior Maintainer’s Competency Log, they are eligible for a Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Avionics or Mechanical).
Aviation maintainers can also obtain a Diploma of Aerospace Engineering (Maintenance Stream) from RMIT after completion of the modules conducted on the POATT and CPOATT courses.
Sea Change’s training initiatives ensure that the Navy’s aviation maintenance training continues to align with training presented to civilian trainees, and accreditations are apportioned as such.
Training and qualifications not directly associated with maintainers are also available through DASS and CSS, with these schemes being broadened under Sea Change.
Remuneration for maintainers has been enhanced with the introduction of the ATA/ATV retention bonus.
On completion of initial minimum period of service (IMPS), aviation maintainers can agree to an undertaking for further service of three years.
If the application is successful, a bonus of $10,000 for maintenance quality inspectors (MQIs), $20,000 for maintenance managers (MMs), or $30,000 for Flight Senior Maintenance Sailors (FSMSs) is granted.
Once the three-year period is completed, applicants are granted a completion bonus of half the original entitlement. The scheme is running until June 30, 2009.
Most of the above changes are career-based, however what changes can maintainers expect whilst at sea?
At this stage, most seagoing initiatives are generic and not specifically targeting aircraft maintainers. In short, the largest change maintainers will notice is the increase in frequency of communications to families.
The Minister for Defence has announced improvements to ship’s personal communications, and also additional broadband terminals, allowing better communication between sailors and family.
Other proposals such as satellite television onboard major fleet Units have been raised and funding is awaiting approval.
Sea Change is on track to delivering real changes to the way Navy treats people.
Many initiatives have already been implemented, and there are more to come, impacting birdies at Albatross and at sea. For more information, or to have your own input into the program, visit the Sea Change website on DRN. |
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