SCHOOL OF TECHNICAL TRAINING RAAF Base Wagga
The RAAF School of Technical Training (RAAFSTT) provides initial employment training for aviation technical trades for Army, Navy and Air Force to meet nationally accredited aeroskills competencies. RAAFSTT also delivers post-graduate courses to engineering officers and senior technicians operating in ADF aviation.
The Defence Aeroskills Training Academy (DATA), a contracted training organisation operated by BAE Systems with its partner Pennant Trainnig Systems delivers all aviation technical and engineering training at RAAFSTT. Military training, mentoring, and management of trainee progress, discipline and welfare is provided by RAAFSTT staff. Both RAAFSTT and DATA work closely to foster and develop the desired attitudes and behaviours in trainees for their employment in the ADF maintenance environment.
RAAFSTT is the one of the most diverse training units in the Air Force. The School has an annual throughput of around 900 trainees and students and is responsible for the conduct of over 25 different technical courses. Graduates of RAAFSTT maintain aircraft, aviation components, armament systems, life support equipment for aircrew and other technical equipment, in addition to managing maintenance processes at all levels.
History
RAAFSTT’s proud history extends back to 1st March 1940 when No 1 Engineering School was formed in Melbourne. After World War II, No 1 Engineering School retained its wartime training role and moved to facilities at RAAF Station Forest Hill near Wagga Wagga. The unit was reformed as the RAAF Ground Training School on 4 February 1946, was renamed as the RAAF Technical College in May 1950, and assumed its current name on 1 December 1952. From its inception, the School has focused on delivering capable technical tradespeople to maintain Air Force’s operational edge.
During its history, the School conducted mainly apprentice training, but was also involved in recruit, instructional and National Service training. In 1993, following the technical trade restructure, the trade and technologist apprentice schemes were disbanded. Army aviation trade training commenced at RAAFSTT in 1969 and Navy aviation trade training in 1993. In 1996, the role of the school expanded significantly following its amalgamation with the RAAF School of Clerical and Supply Training. In 2005, this element of the School was separated and formed as the RAAF School of Administration and Logistics Training. RAAFSTT has successfully trained in excess of 100,000 technical and non-technical personnel who have served Australia with pride and distinction, both in peacetime and during conflict.
Awards
On 19 November 1971, RAAFSTT took a unique and privileged place in Air Force history by being the first RAAF unit to be awarded a Unit Queen’s Colour. Presentation of the Queen’s Colour to RAAFSTT recognised the school’s enviable record of training thousands of servicemen and women in a wide range of specialties. The Colour is honoured as a symbol of the trust the Queen reposes in the School and as an emblem of achievement.
In June 2003, the then Chief of Defence Force, General Peter Cosgrove recognised the efforts of RAAFSTT by awarding a Unit Commendation to the School. The award recognised the School’s exemplary reputation as a strongly tri-Service-focused training organisation, functioning in a wholly integrated fashion comprised of representatives of all three Services, the Australian Public Service and a contracted training provider.
RAAFSTT was awarded the Stonehaven Trophy as the most proficient Air Force training unit of 2016 and 2018.
OUR MISSION IS:
‘To prepare aviation maintenance and engineering personnel ready to support Australian Defence Force capability’
COURSES CONDUCTED AT RAAFSTT INCLUDE:
| · Avionics Technician | · Aircraft Technician |
| · Aircraft Structural Fitter | · Aeronautical Life Support Fitter |
| · Armament Technician | · Aerospace Engineer Initial |
| · Aerospace Engineer Maintenance | · Aerospace Engineer Logistics |
| · SNCO Technical Manager | · Aerospace Engineer Ground |
| · Ground Support Equipment Technician | · Advanced Aircraft Metal Machining |
| · Non-Technical Duty Crew | · Air-conditioning & Refrigeration Specialist |
| · ADF Aircraft Composites | · Aircraft Welder |
| · CAMM2 Data Manager | · Military Aviation Technician Training Program |
| · Aircraft Life Support System Skills | · Warrant Officer Engineer |
| · Senior Maintenance Manager | · Restricted Electrical Work |
| · OIC Aircraft Life Support Equipment Famil | · Aircraft Surface Finisher |
| · Aviation Support Technician |
DEFENCE AEROSKILLS TRAINING ACADEMY
The Defence Aeroskills Training Academy (DATA) delivers ADF Aviation Technical Training (ATT) at RAAF Base Wagga. Managed by BAE Systems as the Prime Contractor and its partner Pennant Training Systems, DATA was established in March 2013 to provide initial and postgraduate training for ADF aircraft related technical trades to about 900 ADF trainees each year.
DATA delivers state of the art training, which includes use of some of the most advanced training aids including the Integrated Avionics Maintenance Trainer (IAMT) and Generic Flying Control Trainer (GenFly) devices – the first of their type in Australia and the use of tablet devices to meet students’ learning styles and ensure the most effective outcomes are achieved.
An integral part of RAAF Base Wagga, DATA is proud to be helping to prepare the ADF’s future aerospace technicians.
MORE ABOUT THE DATA TEAM
Since 1953, BAE Systems in Australia has worked purposefully to create a unique domestic capability that is today an integral part of a stronger, more sovereign Australian industry, and one that is better able to deliver the unique solutions the nation needs. BAE Systems is Australia's largest most versatile defence and security company. The company offers the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and it's security customers total capability in vital areas such as through-life support, security, logistics and systems integration.
Pennant is a leading provider of technology based training solutions for the UK Ministry of Defence, major defence contractors and international governments. In Australia, Pennant has provided instructor-led and self-paced courseware and high fidelity maintenance training emulation environments at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Pearce to support the Hawk Lead-In Fighter (LIF) program since 2001.