Students get a good look at Edinburgh life

Volume 48, No. 18, October 05, 2006

IN FOCUS: FLTLT Daniel Cook shows Henry Warnecke the scope and range of a Minimi machine gun. Photo by LAC Andrew Eddie

A HAND-PICKED group of South Australian students had a taste of Air Force life on September 14 when RAAF Base Edinburgh hosted its annual careers day.

Eighty-seven high school students who had shown an interest in a possible Air Force future, as well as career advisers from 10 schools, were treated to a showcase of Air Force trades and professions. Musterings difficult to recruit, such as CETECH and ADG, were specifically targeted.

Base Commander WGCDR David Flood welcomed the visitors to the base. He highlighted the range of career opportunities available and encouraged the students to take full advantage of the day’s activities and ask as many questions as possible.

The careers day then swung into high gear with a range of activities, including briefs and demonstrations from the base Ground Defence Section, 1RTU, 92WG engine build-up, maintenance and aircraft life support sections, as well as an AP-3C static display, 44WG air traffic control and ground electronic services, and No 24 (City of Adelaide) Squadron.

Where possible, demonstrations included hands-on aspects, such as weapon handling or sitting in an aircraft cockpit, to give the students a more realistic understanding. The day concluded with a presentation by Defence Force Recruiting staff.

All of the students agreed the day had been an enjoyable and memorable experience and many of them indicated they would pursue an Air Force career after completing their studies. The careers day had confirmed their aspirations.

Edinburgh has been conducting careers days since 2000 and they have proven to be an effective marketing and recruitment tool.

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