N.Z. YOUTHS TO BE TRAINED AS AIR APPRENTICES

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 September 1950, Page 6

N.Z. YOUTHS TO BE TRAINED AS AIR APPRENTICES

PARLIAMENT BLDGS., Last Night (P.A.). —The Minister of Defence (Mr. MacDonald) said tonight that up to 20 youths aged from 15 to 17 will be selected for enlistment in the R.N.Z.A.F. as aircraft apprentices i and embarked for specialist training in England at the R.A.F. technical I training schools. The first draft | will begin training in England in | 1 May, 1951. I The Minister said that while I R.N.Z.A.F. training facilities produce highly-qualified ground trades-| I men, there is a need for trained | supervisors qualified in modern 1 methods of personnel management. : Training in England would provide this additional background for those selected and would fit those who complete the course for later advancement to senior n.c.o. and officer ranks. The conditions of service provide for intial engagements of 12 years from the date of enlistment. ! During this time, the airmen will be eligible for permanent engagements ■ in the ranks or will be considered for - appointment to vacancies in the com- - missioned ranks. The period of api prenticeship will normally be for three years and will be followed by ) a year's productive work on selected . R.A.F. units. After four years the ex-apprentices will return to New I Zealand for duty with the R.N.Z.A.F. Mr. MacDonald said that parents of p those selected would be asked to c nominate a relation or friend as temporary guardian for the boys while in ’ England and if this were not possible 1 the High Commissioner in London or 1 the Air Officer Commanding the • R.N.Z.A.F. Headquarters, London, would act as oil ici a I guardian.