For many young people, choosing a pathway to take in your senior studies and after graduating high school isn’t easy. You have lots of different interests you might like to pursue, and you generally don’t have much knowledge or experience in the areas of study and work you’re interested in. That’s why many young people join a Cadets organisation: to get an inside look and gain practical skills in sectors of their choice.
Here’s how young people can get valuable skills and insights, and enjoy fun aviation experiences, by joining the Australian Cadet Corps.
The Australian Cadet Corps is an organisation that provides education, mentorship, training, personal development, and community-based participation for young people aged 8 years and up. Its aim is to develop community spirit, leadership and capability among the youth of Australia, and part of that is providing engaging educational courses and experiences in areas they’re interested in.
Each lesson is created and taught by a trained senior NCO or officer, and generally consists of easy-to-understand, engaging PowerPoints and fun practical exercises. Courses last for a full school term, and if the cadet chooses to focus on one sector throughout the year, build on the knowledge and skills gained in previous courses.
For example, cadets who choose aviation may have a Term 1 course like ‘Basic rules of flight’, followed by a Term 2 course on ‘Radio controls and communicating with Air Traffic Control’.
In the Australian Cadet Corps, members interested in or learning about aviation can take their knowledge off the page and into the real world. They can get behind the scenes on an airport tour, learn the basics of air traffic control radio communication, and even try immersive and hands-on aviation experiences.
That’s what one ACC Squadron, the Tuggerah Lakes Spitfires, has had the opportunity to do recetly.
Cadets can use a state-of-the-art computer program with multiple monitors and a full suite of controllers that mimics those in a real aeroplane cockpit, including joysticks and foot pedals.
Whether they want to learn the fundamentals of flight or just have fun stepping into a pilot’s shoes, cadets can use the certified flight simulation training program to take a journey of their choosing. They can design their own experience by adjusting the weather, time of day, aircraft, and destination.
While it’s not a certified course providing a pathway to becoming a pilot, it’s a unique opportunity to take a peek at a career they’re interested in before committing to life in aviation. That’s why joining the ACC is ideal for young people who aren’t ready to commit to one pathway, and still want to gain some experience in multiple.
Information on flying days here.
Interested in joining the Australian Cadet Corps? We’d love to hear from you. Find out more on our website or find out how to join here.
