2 January 2023
A group of future engineers were given a unique opportunity to sample the benefits of a career in the Australian Defence Force when they were hosted by RAAF Base Richmond in December.
The 68 students and staff from Honeywell Engineering Summer School were given first-hand insight into some of the roles and functions they can expect to undertake as an engineer in the Air Force, in the hopes of inspiring them to consider it as a career.
The group were treated to a static display of a C-130J Hercules transport plane and given the unique opportunity to explore the inner workings of the aircraft as well as speak to experienced crew members.
A presentation by Air Mobility Group (AMG), who are responsible for air logistics support within the Air Force, gave the students a taste of the engineering capabilities behind some of the group’s vital roles, such as the airdropping of equipment.
They were then given a tour of the Airbus maintenance hangar on base, where they were able to explore the more in-depth aspects of aircraft repair and maintenance.
The day concluded with presentations by senior Air Force engineers, as well as Defence recruitment officers, who answered the students’ questions about life as an engineer in Defence and the recruitment process.
Wing Commander Chris Hersey, from the AMG Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (STEM) Community Engagement Program, said a career as an Air Force engineer is as rewarding as it is diverse.
“We are hoping the students got an opportunity to see the wide variety of opportunities in the engineering and technical fields in the Air Force, not just in uniform but also with our industry partners,” Wing Commander Hersey said.
“In my career I’ve been able to go to 22 countries around the world, I’ve worked in aircraft maintenance, to bomb disposal, to missile design, so it’s been a fantastic career.”
Impressions were certainly made on student Imogen, 17, from Sydney, who said she now plans to pursue a career as an engineer in the Air Force.
“My favourite part was getting up and close to the planes, going inside and seeing how it works. I didn’t realise there were so many different jobs,” she said.
Student Campbell was also impressed by what the career has to offer.
“My cousin’s an aeronautical engineer and he really loves it so it’s definitely on the radar,” he said.
