An interest in aircraft has seen Jak Howker move from Merimbula Airport to the Royal Australian Army.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The school leaver from Lumen Christi took a job as a baggage handler while he was wanting to hear from the army after applying to work with amphibious vehicles.
However working at the airport kindled an interest in aircraft and now Jak is off to train as avionics ground crew working with helicopters after being accepted for training.
His interest was such that he applied to do three-days work experience at the HMAS Albatross Navy base at Nowra.
On Monday, July 8 Jak headed to Canberra with his family and on Tuesday he has his "ceremony" the chance to formally say goodbye to friends and family and receive a briefing before heading to Wagga Wagga.
Jak will do his basic training at Kapooka.
"I'm feeling excited but also a bit nervous," he admitted.
"It will be a good experienced. I've played AFL and soccer for eight years and I have been training as well," Jak explained saying he hoped to get through the tough basic exercise and training regime.
After 12 weeks basic training, Jak will do 22 weeks initial employment training where he hopes to get his truck licence, carry out basic training for the job both on the job and in the classroom.
If all goes well and Jak passes his tests at the end of the course he will be posted to either Sydney, Darwin, Townsville or Oakey.