- By Carlos Norton, AUT Journalism Student
Two local students had the opportunity to explore the Royal New Zealand Air Force Auckland base during the recent school holidays and are now “determined” to join the force on a scholarship.
Rebecca Hawke and Janelle Baker, both year 12 students at Pakuranga College, saw the opportunity at their school’s careers office and decided to sign up.
Heading to Whenuapai with other selected school students from across Auckland and Waikato, the pair got a glimpse into the different careers available in the Air Force.
When asked what sparked her interest in the tour, Rebecca points out her family connections to the defence force.
“My sister is currently enlisted in the navy down in Wellington, which really encouraged me. I don’t like boats, so this felt like a great option,” she says.
Being led around the base by specialist staff, the pair were able to explore everything from the mechanics of planes to ground control.
For Janelle, one experience was a clear favourite.
“The highlight was getting to go on the Hercules plane and look around. We even got to sit in the cockpit in the pilot’s seat.”
Janelle has been interested in the Air Force for some time now, doing her own research after attending the Ardmore Air Show with Rebecca earlier this year.
Rebecca is also determined to enlist but is aiming for a career on the ground rather than the skies.
“I’m more interested in encryption, codebreaking, and stuff like that,” she says.
Whether serving in the skies or on the ground, there’s one thing the pair both agree on – Air Force food is “amazing”.
Both girls are now working with their career advisors at Pakuranga College to apply for scholarships to make their air force dreams a reality.
The school’s career advisor, Tascha Corlett, says: “For students considering a career with the defence force, there are some fantastic scholarships available.
“Last year two of our students joined the defence force on scholarships worth nearly $500,000 combined.
“Not only will that set them up with a career, but they can avoid getting into student debt. It really is life-changing.”
