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Royal Australian Air Force Apprenticeship Scheme

1948 to 1993

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21st January 1947

 

I refer to your letter of 28th October forwarding the proposals of the Air Board for the introduction in the R.A.A.F. of a system of apprenticeship training similar to that in force in the R.A.F.

 

The scheme as been examined by the Defence Committee which had before it a comparative statement (copy attached) prepared by the Principal Administrative Officers Committee (Personnel) showing the conditions of service under the existing Army apprenticeship training scheme and the proposed R.A.A.F. scheme.

(It was ascertained that the R.A.N. did not propose to institute a scheme for training tradesmen.)

 

The R.A.A.F. proposal differs considerably from the Army scheme which is based on civil practice, but the Defence Committee observed that the R.A.A.F. scheme is designed to meet R.A.A.F. requirements which are peculiar to all air forces and aviation generally and is similar to the scheme which has been in operation in the Royal Air Force for some 25-30 years.

 

The Committee recommended that the scheme be concurred in in principle but that an endeavour be made to ensure uniformity as far as possible in regard to rates of pay and provision of rations and quarters for A.M.F and R.A.A.F. apprentices.

 

On the basis of the conclusions of the Defence Committee, I concur, in principle, with the introduction of the proposed apprenticeship training scheme in the R.A.A.F., but consider that an endeavour should be made through the Inter-departmental Committee now considering the pay code for the postwar Permanent Forces, to obtain uniformity as far as possible in regard to rates of pay and conditions of service for A.M.F. and R.A.A.F. apprentices.

 

I am arranging for this aspect to be brought to the notice of the Department of the Treasury.

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And so on the 2nd of  February 1948 the RAAF Apprentice Training Scheme and its first intake (the Anzacs) came into being. For 45 years hence, RAAF Base Wagga would host a multitude of fresh faced 15 and 16 years olds - Sprogs - learning, growing up, becoming some of the best engineers in the world but most importantly forming lifelong friendships.

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Time marched on, circumstances changed, and March 1993 saw the graduation of number 46 Intake marking the end of the RAAF Apprentice Training Scheme. Modern aircraft with their more reliable and self diagnostic systems and a maintenance philosophy of 'Repair by Replacement' saw the end of the RAAF Apprentice. However in 45 years of operation the scheme had produced over 5000 graduates.

 

This website serves to honour those men and women who served their country and proudly call themselves Ex-Appies.

Promulgation of Letter No. S.S.56 to Minister for Air from Minister for Defence giving Ministerial and Government approval on 21st January 1947.

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To further long lasting friendships and camaraderie

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Upcoming Events

  • RSVP Closed
    Wed, 24 Apr
    Wagga Clay Target Association
    24 Apr 2024, 6:00 pm – 27 Apr 2024, 6:00 pm
    Wagga Clay Target Association, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
    24 Apr 2024, 6:00 pm – 27 Apr 2024, 6:00 pm
    Wagga Clay Target Association, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
    In 2024, we are encouraging our Radio brothers and sisters to join the camraderie of the Wagga reunion. So, RADTechs, its not Friday, and there is no hangar cleanup to be done. So get a group of your compatriots together and join with your sister Trade intakes to celebrate everything RAAF Apprentice
  • RSVP Closed
    Sat, 24 Feb
    Geebung RSL
    24 Feb 2024, 12:00 pm – 11:50 pm
    Geebung RSL, 323 Newman Rd, Geebung QLD 4034, Australia
    24 Feb 2024, 12:00 pm – 11:50 pm
    Geebung RSL, 323 Newman Rd, Geebung QLD 4034, Australia
    In response to the overwhelming noise issues at the Trans, we are relocating the 2024 Brisbane All Apprentices Reunion to the Geebung RSL. Reunite with mates in the familiar surrounds of an RSL.
  • RSVP Closed
    Sat, 25 Feb
    Transcontinental Hotel
    25 Feb 2023, 12:00 pm AEST
    Transcontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
    25 Feb 2023, 12:00 pm AEST
    Transcontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
    Back and refreshed after the 2022 hiatus, the Brisbane Reunion is a must for all SE Queensland based Trades and Radio Appies as well as Ex-Appie visitors to the state.
  • Sat, 11 Feb
    The Surf Club Burleigh Heads
    11 Feb 2023, 6:00 pm – 11:50 pm
    The Surf Club Burleigh Heads, 55 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
    11 Feb 2023, 6:00 pm – 11:50 pm
    The Surf Club Burleigh Heads, 55 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
    If you are in touch with any members of 37 Intake who are not ordinarily on social media please pass on the details and Rob Day's number 0402 482 272
  • RSVP Closed
    Sat, 21 Jan
    Werribee RSL
    21 Jan 2023, 1:00 pm AEDT
    Werribee RSL, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
    21 Jan 2023, 1:00 pm AEDT
    Werribee RSL, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
    The Melbourne Ex-Appies Reunion is back for 2023
  • RSVP Closed
    Thu, 21 Oct
    RAAF Base Wagga Wagga
    21 Oct 2021, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm AEDT
    RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, RAAFSTT Hangar 84, RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, Sturt Hwy, Forest Hill, NSW 2651
    21 Oct 2021, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm AEDT
    RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, RAAFSTT Hangar 84, RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, Sturt Hwy, Forest Hill, NSW 2651
    Come and celebrate the 100th anniversary of RAAF Base Wagga Wagga
  • RSVP Closed
    Fri, 03 Sept
    Caloundra
    03 Sept 2021, 7:00 am – 05 Sept 2021, 11:00 pm
    Caloundra, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia
    03 Sept 2021, 7:00 am – 05 Sept 2021, 11:00 pm
    Caloundra, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia
    CHANGED DATES The Horses will be at full gallop at Caloundra on Queensland's Sunshine Coast in September 2021. Get a winning Trifecta and book your place now.
  • RSVP Closed
    Fri, 23 Apr
    The Range Function Centre
    23 Apr 2021, 6:00 pm AEST – 26 Apr 2021, 11:59 pm AEST
    The Range Function Centre, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
    23 Apr 2021, 6:00 pm AEST – 26 Apr 2021, 11:59 pm AEST
    The Range Function Centre, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
    Come and catch up with old friends from your youth.
  • RSVP Closed
    Sat, 27 Feb
    Transcontinental Hotel
    27 Feb 2021, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Transcontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
    27 Feb 2021, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Transcontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
    Catch up with old friends and tell tall stories!
  • Sat, 23 Jan
    Werribee RSL
    23 Jan 2021, 1:00 pm
    Werribee RSL, 2A Synnot St, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
    23 Jan 2021, 1:00 pm
    Werribee RSL, 2A Synnot St, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
    Enjoy the camaraderie of lifelong mates at the Werribee RSL BOOKINGS NOT REQUIRED. JUST TURN UP!
  • RSVP Closed
    Sat, 23 Jan
    Club Mulwala
    23 Jan 2021, 7:00 am – 11:05 pm
    Club Mulwala, 271 Melbourne St, Mulwala NSW 2647, Australia
    23 Jan 2021, 7:00 am – 11:05 pm
    Club Mulwala, 271 Melbourne St, Mulwala NSW 2647, Australia
    Snails Race to Yarrawonga to celebrate their 56th Anniversary
  • Sat, 09 Jan
    The Charming Squire
    09 Jan 2021, 6:00 pm
    The Charming Squire, 3/133 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
    09 Jan 2021, 6:00 pm
    The Charming Squire, 3/133 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
    DETAILS - DAVE RYLAND 0490 041 393 or 32 Intake Facebook Page
  • RSVP Closed
    Tue, 24 Mar
    Caloundra RSL - Restaurant, Entertainmen
    24 Mar 2020, 7:00 am – 26 Mar 2020, 11:00 pm
    Caloundra RSL - Restaurant, Entertainmen, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia
    24 Mar 2020, 7:00 am – 26 Mar 2020, 11:00 pm
    Caloundra RSL - Restaurant, Entertainmen, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia
    Tulips reunion Postponed
  • RSVP Closed
    Tue, 24 Mar
    NOAH'S on the beach
    24 Mar 2020, 7:00 am – 27 Mar 2020, 12:00 pm
    NOAH'S on the beach, 29 Zaara St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
    24 Mar 2020, 7:00 am – 27 Mar 2020, 12:00 pm
    NOAH'S on the beach, 29 Zaara St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
    The 20 Intake Squirrels in Newcastle in late March 2020 Has been POSTPONED. Austin 'Macca' McDonald on 0412 656842 for more details
  • RSVP Closed
    Sat, 14 Mar
    Wallis Cinema Restaurant Mount Barker
    14 Mar 2020, 12:30 pm ACDT
    Wallis Cinema Restaurant Mount Barker, 17 Adelaide Rd, Mount Barker SA 5251, Australia
    14 Mar 2020, 12:30 pm ACDT
    Wallis Cinema Restaurant Mount Barker, 17 Adelaide Rd, Mount Barker SA 5251, Australia
    The SA Mangoes are getting together.
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