29 August 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) opened its doors in August for its annual visit day, providing around 600 trainees with a glimpse into their future careers while aerial displays reminded them why they chose to serve.
The internal careers day at Australia's largest RAAF unit brought together every Air Force flying squadron, with each sending representatives to showcase opportunities and ‘sell the dream’ to trainees at various stages of their intensive technical programs.
“Today is all about making sure trainees understand what life is like at the units that they would like to go to,” RAAFSTT Commanding Officer Wing Commander Amanda Gosling Clarke said.
“It's a motivational day, as training’s really tough. For them to be able to see what the end product is and be reminded of the things they’re going to be able to do is that motivational piece.”
The day featured aerial displays from an F-35A Lightning II fast jet and a C-27J Spartan, as well as C-130J Hercules and MH-60R static displays, giving trainees their first close encounters with the aircraft they will soon maintain.
“Such a visible display of air power is something that we don't get to see all that often here in Wagga,” Wing Commander Gosling Clarke noted, after trainees and many other personnel, both on and off-base, watched the flying display.
Many squadron representatives were recent RAAFSTT graduates themselves, providing authentic insights into post-training life.
It’s good to go to work, and the thing you’re doing has an impact. It’s meaningful work.
Aircraftwoman Tahlia Ferris, who graduated last October and now serves with 33 Squadron, exemplified this connection. "It's really good to come back because I can relate a lot to all the trainees," she said.
Aircraftwoman Ferris shared honest perspectives about squadron life, including the demanding schedules and rewarding experiences.
“You go everywhere with 33 Squadron. The only place you don't go is Antarctica,” she told trainees, with many asking about travel opportunities and work-life balance.
The day also highlighted the diverse pathways within the Air Force. Leading Aircraftman Luke Highthorn, a 42-year-old mid-career trainee, is pursuing his third Air Force trade as an aircraft structural fitter.
“I'd encourage people to join the ADF, doesn't matter what service and what role,” he said. “As I'm proof you can change your role within it.”
Similarly, Sergeant Benjamin McKenzie transferred from his role as an Army parachute rigger to an Air Force structural fitter, seeking qualifications that translate to civilian careers.
“The skills you're going to gain you can use outside of Defence,” he said.
Representatives from 36 and 37 Squadrons emphasised the family atmosphere and unique experiences awaiting graduates.
36 Squadron Aircraftman Jacob Jones was driven by the feeling of giving back.
“It’s good to go to work, and the thing you’re doing has an impact. It’s meaningful work,” Aircraftman Jones said, noting that the trainees’ ears pricked up as soon as trips were mentioned.
Leading Aircraftman Jeremy Backhouse of 37 Squadron agreed, highlighting that travel opportunities were a big pull for new recruits. “I've been away for half of this year and it's been awesome,” he said.
The RAAFSTT visit day serves a dual purpose – motivating trainees through challenging technical courses while helping squadrons recruit talent.
“Get through Wagga, get your studies done as best as you can, and get out to the squadron," Leading Aircraftman Sam Bamblett said.
“Get in, get through the challenging studies and the rewards will make it worth the effort.”
Wing Commander Gosling Clarke emphasised the day’s broader significance in connecting training with operational reality.
“This day is just a really great opportunity for us in the training environment to be connected to our operating environment,” she said, after watching trainees engage enthusiastically with their potential futures.
As August brings peak student numbers to RAAFSTT, visit day represents the culmination of significant investment by Air Force squadrons in shaping the next generation of military aviation technicians.
