Welcome to 15th Intake
Royal Australian Air Force Apprentices
RAAF APPRENTICESHIP HISTORY
At the end of World War 11, following general demobilization, it became
obvious that if the RAAF was to continue to function efficiently, it would be
necessary to recruit or train skilled tradesmen. Prior to World War 11, the RAAF
had depended on industry for its supply of skilled manpower and, during the war,
a rapidly expanding service had developed its own training schools and co-opted
industry to assist when necessary.
It was obvious soon after the war that recruiting of skilled tradesmen would not
meet the requirements of the RAAF due to a shortage of skilled tradesmen in the
community because of the vast post-war industrial expansion which led to
beyond-award wages and large overtime payments. In these circumstances, and
among a war-weary population, it was inevitable that the recruitment of skilled
tradesmen was poor.
In 1947 department of Air recruited the first intake of Apprentices to be
trained at Wagga. " The
Anzacs." Their training consisted of 3 years of formal at Wagga (RAAF School of
Technical Training) followed by 2 years of "on the job training at various RAAF
bases.
"Anzac" intake started "Traditions", applicable to young Apprentices;
every Apprentice intake to follow had its own identity, but followed the core
traditions of the 'Anzacs".
Department of Air decided that 15th intake (Beavers) would be the last intake to
complete 3 years formal training at Wagga, (end of an era but the beginning of a
new chapter).
Five New Zealand Apprentices were recruited and trained as members of 15th
intake. On graduation the New Zealanders returned home and became integral
to Royal New Zealand Air Force aircraft engineering.
Everlasting Mateship
45 years after commencing training at Wagga strong relationships exist among
Apprentices. This can be attributed to the strong ethics ("code of honour")
which was demanded by staff. 15 and 16 year olds don't always see the
logic in discipline, marching for hours in hot and freezing weather, arising
early, studying at night, cleaning etc, however the reasons became obvious as
time passed." No Pain, No Gain".
Success As a Result of Training
Many Apprentices followed their dreams and became very successful in military
and civilian arenas. No matter where careers led you, all had the
opportunity to "dig deep" and recall the experiences at Wagga.
Disclaimer
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