Air Force hosts Indigenous youth program

First Nation high school students from around North Queensland have left feeling inspired and ready to launch their Defence careers after spending a week at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Townsville.

RAAF Townsville and the Australian Army’s 16th Aviation Brigade played host to 16 First Nation students in March as part of the Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Indigenous Youth Program and the Defence Work Experience Program.

The five-day stay provided a unique behind-the-scenes look at life in the ADF in the north, helping inspire the next generation of ADF personnel.

Explored many roles

The students participated in a variety of activities including physical fitness training, military skills demonstrations, and close up tours of aircraft including the new AH-64E Apaches. The program also provides a safe place to partake in cultural experiences and share identity.

With support from serving personnel, the students explored roles such as engineers, maintenance, logistics, air traffic control, health services, fire fighters, pilots and air crew.

ADF Careers recruitment specialists also spent time with the students, outlining the opportunities available and pathways into the ADF including the Gap Year program.

RAAF Townsville Indigenous Liaison Officer, Leading Aircraftman Chris Morganson, said the Defence Indigenous Youth Program had been an eye opening experience for the participating students.

Opportunities

“It is amazing when you see the young people begin to open up and realise there’s a world of opportunities out there for them,” Leading Aircraftman Morganson said.

“They see the men and women in uniform and understand everyone starts basically from the same place. It’s recognising opportunities, committing and working toward your goals that takes you places you never imagined possible.”

Year 12 Cairns student Marli visited the base with a strong interest in becoming a loadmaster within the RAAF.

“I wanted to see if the role was right for me and learn more about what the job involves,” Marli said.

However after meeting with an ADF Careers recruitment specialist during her stay, Marli broadened her career aspirations and is now also considering joining the Navy’s Nuclear Submariner program as a medic.

Doing something different

“Obviously I don’t know what it would be like in a submarine, but I like the idea of doing something different and challenging, and while I’m young I don’t want to pass up opportunities,” she said.

Jett is in Year 10 and travelled up from the small central Queensland town of Middlemount.

During his visit, Jett developed a strong interest in pursuing a technical career with the Army or Air Force, particularly in mechanical or technician roles, after learning more about platforms such as the Army’s CH-47F Chinook and the AH-64E Apache.

“There’s so many cool machines in the ADF and it looks like you can do some fun stuff like play sports and travel around the world,” Jett said.

Further information on Defence Work Experience Programs are available at www.defenceyouth.gov.au or visit ADFcareers.gov.au for more information about a career in the ADF.