History

15th Intake (Beavers) commenced training in January 1961 at Wagga NSW. One  hundred and thirty seven 15 to 16 year old students were indoctrinated into  military training. A very different world than our comfortable surroundings as  civilians. Drill instructors had methods of persuading young fellows into  obeying rules and moulding characters to meet military specifications. After  some 3 months of military re-arranging of thought patterns it was of some relief  to commence training in Engineering. During the first twelve months all  apprentices completed the same wide-ranging facets of basic engineering. In  January 1962 apprentices were divided into their SPECIALIZED trades, which  included: Engines, Electrical, Armament,  Airframes, Instruments and Motor  Transport fitting.  December 13th 1963, there was excitement in the camp as  99 Apprentices finalized their military and engineering training at Wagga. A  graduation passing-out parade and celebration ball were held to mark this  important milestone of Beavers.  

The final two years

Graduating apprentices were posted to various RAAF Bases for training in their  respective trades and to utilize their skills in productive duties of  engineering.

Wagga highlights

Many great times were experienced by all including, practical jokes, sport,  hobbies, social events, apprentice traditions (not for publication). Beavers  were bound by a "Code of Honour" which is as relevant today as it was 45  years ago.  15th Intake was the last to undertake three years of  training at Wagga.

A picture is worth a thousand words; this will be evident whilst viewing  images on this website.