Royal Australian Air Force Apprenticeship Scheme
1948 to 1993
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.
Upcoming Events
- RSVP ClosedWed, 24 AprWagga Clay Target Association24 Apr 2024, 6:00 pm – 27 Apr 2024, 6:00 pmWagga Clay Target Association, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia24 Apr 2024, 6:00 pm – 27 Apr 2024, 6:00 pmWagga Clay Target Association, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, AustraliaIn 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 ClosedSat, 24 FebGeebung RSL24 Feb 2024, 12:00 pm – 11:50 pmGeebung RSL, 323 Newman Rd, Geebung QLD 4034, Australia
- RSVP ClosedSat, 25 FebTranscontinental Hotel25 Feb 2023, 12:00 pm AESTTranscontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
- Sat, 11 FebThe Surf Club Burleigh Heads11 Feb 2023, 6:00 pm – 11:50 pmThe Surf Club Burleigh Heads, 55 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia
- RSVP ClosedSat, 21 JanWerribee RSL21 Jan 2023, 1:00 pm AEDTWerribee RSL, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
- RSVP ClosedThu, 21 OctRAAF Base Wagga Wagga21 Oct 2021, 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm AEDTRAAF Base Wagga Wagga, RAAFSTT Hangar 84, RAAF Base Wagga Wagga, Sturt Hwy, Forest Hill, NSW 2651
- RSVP ClosedFri, 03 SeptCaloundra03 Sept 2021, 7:00 am – 05 Sept 2021, 11:00 pmCaloundra, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia
- RSVP ClosedFri, 23 AprThe Range Function Centre23 Apr 2021, 6:00 pm AEST – 26 Apr 2021, 11:59 pm AESTThe Range Function Centre, 308 Copland St, East Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia
- RSVP ClosedSat, 27 FebTranscontinental Hotel27 Feb 2021, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pmTranscontinental Hotel, 482 George St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
- Sat, 23 JanWerribee RSL23 Jan 2021, 1:00 pmWerribee RSL, 2A Synnot St, Werribee VIC 3030, Australia
- RSVP ClosedSat, 23 JanClub Mulwala23 Jan 2021, 7:00 am – 11:05 pmClub Mulwala, 271 Melbourne St, Mulwala NSW 2647, Australia
- Sat, 09 JanThe Charming Squire09 Jan 2021, 6:00 pmThe Charming Squire, 3/133 Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia
- RSVP ClosedTue, 24 MarCaloundra RSL - Restaurant, Entertainmen24 Mar 2020, 7:00 am – 26 Mar 2020, 11:00 pmCaloundra RSL - Restaurant, Entertainmen, 19 West Terrace, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia
- RSVP ClosedTue, 24 MarNOAH'S on the beach24 Mar 2020, 7:00 am – 27 Mar 2020, 12:00 pmNOAH'S on the beach, 29 Zaara St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
- RSVP ClosedSat, 14 MarWallis Cinema Restaurant Mount Barker14 Mar 2020, 12:30 pm ACDTWallis Cinema Restaurant Mount Barker, 17 Adelaide Rd, Mount Barker SA 5251, Australia