RNZAF School to Skies camp for female students draws high praise from Canada

The course has also drawn high praise from counterparts at the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) who attended last week’s programme.

RCAF Avionics Technician Master Corporal Sarah Getz made the trip from Nova Scotia to attend the camp at RNZAF Base Auckland, Whenuapai.

Master Corporal Getz works in Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre Halifax, and is involved in Diversity Recruiting initiatives within the RCAF Air Maintenance Branch. She said she jumped at the chance to learn how the camp can support women, with intentions of implementing something similar back home in Canada.

“A former RNZAF engineer told me about the programme and so I’ve come here to learn and model the lessons back home with the Canadian Armed Forces,” she said.

School to Skies Wāhine camp is a technical- and aviation-focused experience for Year 13 female students, with the aim of promoting, encouraging and attracting more young women in to STEM and aviation careers.

The students learn about the technical components of keeping aircraft flying, military skills and personal development during the free six-day learning camp. 

School to Skies Project Lead, Squadron Leader Matthew Pitts, says the programme is designed to show young women what’s possible in the STEM space.

“The students get to observe various pathways they may not be aware of, and rub shoulders with relatable roles within those workplaces,” he said.

“About 42 per cent of all our current serving female aircraft technicians have gone through the School to Skies programme. The students saw our female technicians at work and realised it’s an achievable pathway.”

Master Corporal Getz was impressed with the programme and the RNZAF personnel involved.

“The level of professionalism, kindness, and compassion the military members show when interacting with the students is impressive. They guide them and explain complex, technical concepts to the students, who may have never even seen a spanner before,” she said.

Beyond just the School to Skies programme, Master Corporal Getz said the week also offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, values and traditions.

“It’s been great to share knowledge about trades, equipment, positive experiences and challenges we all face operating in a modern military environment. I’ve also spent time with the cultural advisor, recruiting personnel, and the mentoring program manager learning about how diversity is encouraged and supported in the New Zealand Defence Force, which has also been so valuable,” she said.

For Squadron Leader Pitts it was an equally worthwhile exchange for the RNZAF.

“It is really promising that other nations are recognising the value of our programme and showing interest in it,” he said.

“Hosting Master Corporal Getz has been a positive experience, as partnerships and relationships related to School to Skies will prove mutually beneficial, involving the exchange of ideas and resources."

“Hopefully these will continue to develop over time and form a broader network of partnerships with the RNZAF as the central hub.”