First steps to a career

Above: Military Skills Instructor Corporal Peter Hohn teaches Modbury High School, Kings Grammar School and Fremont-Elizabeth High School students the basic skills of marching by numbers'. Photo by ACW Sonja Inderwisch

Jamie Boczen, 17, of Salisbury State School, is fitted out with battle pack and Kevlar helmet by Aircraftman Shane Leaney, Airfield Defence Guard Active Reserve member from 1AFDS. Photo by LACW Simone Liebelt

MARCHING around RAAF Base Edinburgh under the watchful eye of a military service instructor may not be everyone’s idea of a memorable and enjoyable experience.

But for a group of senior high school students and career advisers, this was their first taste of life in the Air Force.

The event was part of an annual career orientation day designed to target Air Force trades and professions looking to attract recruits.

Base management and ADF Recruiting Unit Adelaide worked together to ensure the day was a success and relevant information was on hand for the 168 students who had shown interest in the Air Force.

Base Commander Wing Commander Rick Subotkiewicz welcomed students as tours of No. 1 Recruit Training Unit, No. 1 Airfield Defence Squadron and a military working dog display were conducted.

“The careers day plays an important role in presenting a wide range of employment opportunities the Air Force has to offer students when they leave school,” WGCDR Subotkiewicz said. “It allows participants to make informed judgements on their future career paths.”

The students visited working areas and displays at No. 92 Wing, Aircraft Research and Development Unit, Mechanical Equipment Operational Maintenance Section, Ground Radio, Combat Support Unit and No. 44 Wing Air Traffic Control.

• By Wing Commander Janice Elvin
  and Corporal Mark Eaton

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