Careers take flight through new program
Navy's inaugural Aviation Technical Gap Year cohort graduated from the RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) recently, marking a significant milestone for the new workforce initiative.
The Aviation Technical Gap Year program was established to provide young Australians with exposure to Navy aviation technical careers before selecting an employment category and commencing initial employment training.
Over 12 weeks, the sailors completed the Aerospace Technical Trade Core Skills Training package alongside Navy aviation trainees at RAAFSTT.
The training provided foundational technical knowledge, military skills and an introduction to Navy aviation.
The program was developed through the efforts of WOATV Mathew Hawkins, from Navy Education and Career Development Centre Aviation, who identified a need to support aviation workforce requirements.
WO Hawkins said the Gap Year program was conceived to address aviation employment categories that had remained critical for an extended period.
"The program gives participants an opportunity to experience Navy aviation before committing to a specific trade category," WO Hawkins said.
"We wanted to provide young Australians with greater insight into the aviation workforce while also creating another pathway into Navy aviation."
'When I joined, I was leaning towards becoming an ATA, but after learning more about the different roles, I'm now looking at becoming an ATV.'
Following graduation, the sailors will be posted to MH-60R Seahawk squadrons, where they will gain exposure to employment categories before selecting their preferred career pathway.
Gap Year participant SMN Darin Bajorek said the experience helped shape her career aspirations.
"The program gave me the opportunity to see all of the aviation trades before making my final decision," SMN Bajorek said.
"When I joined, I was leaning towards becoming an ATA, but after learning more about the different roles, I'm now looking at becoming an ATV."
"I'm looking forward to spending time at 725SQN and gaining more experience before returning to commence my ATV initial employment training."
About 20 Aviation Technical Gap Year sailors are expected to join Navy each year as part of the program.
The graduation ceremony was attended by family members, instructors and Navy representatives, including senior naval officer Wagga, LCDR Amit Jain.
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