The sky is the limit for RNZAF trainee Paul Garlick
RNZAF trainee Paul Garlick graduates with a nationally recognised civilian qualification
“I always wanted to work with my hands,” says Paul Garlick, a 23 year old trainee at the RNZAF base in Auckland.
Paul studied metal work and other engineering subjects at school, with aspirations of becoming a car mechanic.
“I realised the potential exists to earn more money working on aircraft. At the same time I didn’t want to get bogged down with a student loan. I knew the Air Force offered high quality training and you get paid for it while you’re working, so it seemed like a smart option to me.”
Paul joined the Air Force almost 5 years ago, completing a 3 month recruitment course, a 6 month basic engineering course, a 6 month aircraft mechanics course, 18 months on the job work experience and then a 4 month technician’s course.
In the last 3 years he has travelled to Samoa, Raratonga, Niue, Darwin, Adelaide, Melbourne and Malaysia, as well as around New Zealand.
“Getting paid for all my training and having the opportunity to travel is a great benefit. I get a pay packet every fortnight as well as receiving training which I believe is equal to or better than the training you would receive elsewhere because it is so disciplined,” says Paul.
“The RNZAF are a great supporter of training. If you have any area you would like to develop that is related to your job they will help towards the cost to support your up-skilling.”
Paul received a National Certificate in Aircraft Servicing (Level 3) at the recent RNZAF graduation ceremony in Auckland, where Air Force trainees received civilian recognition for their military training for the first time.
Paul believes that the concept of having military training formally recognised in the wider aviation industry is a great opportunity.
“When we are thinking about the next step in our careers we now have something to show for it which is nationally recognised. We have something on our CV that the wider aviation industry can relate to,” he says.
Paul says his goal for this year is to complete his Aircraft Maintenance Engineers License, but for now he is enjoying life on base.
“I enjoy working with a good bunch of people and no two days are the same. One day you might be working normally and then the next day there could be a plane broken down somewhere in the Pacific that you have to go and help fix. It’s definitely an industry that suits me.”
Leading Aircraftsman Paul Garlick, RNZAF aircraft technician.
Related links
The RNZAF is the winner of the 2008 Achievement Award for Excellence in Workplace Training, which recognises workplaces for outstanding support in training towards national qualifications. Click here for more information.
Click here to find out more about the first RNZAF training to receive civilian recognition.
