KEY POINTS:
We've all seen those intriguing ads on television - challenges to do push-ups, to step up to a bright career in the New Zealand Air Force; have you got what it takes? But what does it take to join and what sort of career is it?
Phil Randerson,
flying officer, Auckland recruiting liaison officer, New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF), says the type of people the force is seeking are enthusiastic, confident, outgoing and looking for a challenge.
He says that the minimum academic requirements vary with different trades within the service.
With a range of careers, options are divided into four main areas:
* Support trades are non-technical jobs. They are an "essential part of the team and include air security specialists, firefighters and intelligence specialists to name a few".
* Technical trades are the hands-on mechanical trades. "You'll not only learn how to use the tools of the trade, you'll also learn to read calculations, understand technical drawings and use precision instruments," Randerson says. The trades include aircraft and avionics technicians, armament technicians and aeronautical metal workers.
* Aircrew trades are the people who operate the fleet of aircraft. "Our aircrew trades offer some of the best training available, the chance to travel the world and a team environment like no other," he says. The trades include pilots, air warfare officers and flight stewards.
* Management trades cover a wide variety of positions. Programmes develop people into highly qualified and competent managers. Roles include engineering officers, human resource officers and communications and information systems officers.
So what qualifications are needed and what age do you have to be to join? Randerson says: "Our minimum requirement is 12 credits at Level 1 NCEA. The minimum age for enlistment is 17."
A good general level of fitness and a medical, which examines general health, eyesight and hearing, are required.
Some trades require a pass through a selection board. Members of the RNZAF must, as a minimum, hold permanent residency. Some trades require citizenship.
Randerson says the RNZAF is in the process of increasing its ranks.
"On average we aim to recruit over 300 people per year across our range of trades and specialisations."
The RNZAF has intakes for recruit training in January, May and September and intakes for officer training in January and July.
"We run testing sessions throughout the year and we will accept applications at any time."
Randerson says the New Zealand Defence Force offers a highly competitive salary package to all of its recruits.
Base salary is dependent on trade and experience while several other benefits include:
* Accommodation assistance.
* Free medical and dental.
* Free use of fitness centres and swimming pools.
* You are paid to train.
* Superannuation (the defence force has signed on to KiwiSaver and offers an employer contribution of 4 per cent).
The RNZAF website says for those joining from school, the initial annual salary is $23,400. Other benefits include free uniforms and free medical and dental care.
Salaries increase significantly with qualifications and promotion.
For those not joining straight from school, the salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
Randerson says there are opportunities for changing jobs and advancement within the force.
"In the early days you can expect to carry out several training courses and on-the-job training.
"Over time, you will gain skills that will allow you to move ahead, eventually taking on senior roles including instructional duties and personnel management.
"We always encourage our personnel to further their abilities, whether this be through further training or by gaining tertiary qualifications," he said.
The RNZAF offers two schemes for university qualifications the RNZAF Undergraduate Scheme and the University Officer Scheme.
"The aim of the schemes is to develop highly qualified personnel for the force's management and aircrew roles."
The degrees have to be related to a trade specialisation within the force and must benefit the long-term development of the RNZAF.
He says applicants selected for the schemes have their tertiary study paid by the RNZAF and in return are required to serve for one year for each year of their degree, plus one year. The schemes are available to candidates applying for service in the regular arm of the force, but not to civilian staff.
There are options to change trades once inside the force, he says.
According to the RNZAF website, most people are offered a 15-year initial engagement when they join.
"You are, however, free to resign at any time giving three months' notice if you have completed your return of service obligation from training," the website says.
For those concerned about joining the Air Force threatening their family life, Randerson says: "The RNZAF aims to provide families with as much support as possible.
"We offer several services, including subsidised service housing, on base welfare facilitators, holiday homes and a range of hire equipment and a number of family functions throughout the year.
"When our personnel are posted overseas, we provide additional assistance to the families at home."
* The RNZAF's recruitment website is at www.stepup.mil.nz
