Thanks to the generous support of Ergon Energy Retail customers, three new apprentices have been recruited to work exclusively on RFDS aircraft. We spoke to Sam Bruce, one of the lucky recipients about the flight path to his new role.
Watching the speed and excitement of the classic film, Top Gun, with his father as a child may have been the inspiration for a lifetime fascination with aircraft for Sam Bruce, but it was a matter much closer to home that inspired his adoration of the Flying Doctor.
Sam, a newly appointed RFDS Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Apprentice, has a connection with the RFDS that goes far beyond his four-year apprenticeship.
As a baby, Sam suffered a brain bleed and was flown by the RFDS from Bundaberg to Brisbane; an act he said makes his current role so much more rewarding.
“I have flown with the RFDS as a patient, and now to be able to work on the other side of the organisation is extremely humbling,” he said.
“I’m just so grateful for the opportunity.”
Sam was one of three aircraft maintenance engineering apprentices to be recruited by RFDS’ sole maintenance provider, Hawker Pacific, to work exclusively on Flying Doctor aircraft in Queensland.
These positions were made possible by the generous commitment of long-time RFDS partner, Ergon Energy Retail and its customers. Ergon Energy Retail customers have been choosing to donate to the RFDS in Queensland through their energy bills since 2000, raising more than $13 million to date.
Sam said it’s a dream come true to be given the opportunity to work on RFDS aircraft.
“Prior to this role I was an automotive technical apprentice. I’ve been tinkering with engines since I was a kid with my dad. Thanks to the generous support of Ergon Energy Retail customers, three new apprentices have been recruited to work exclusively on RFDS aircraft. We spoke to Sam Bruce, one of the lucky recipients about the
flight path to his new role. Gradually the engines have gotten bigger, faster and definitely more expensive,” he laughs.
“The people I’m working with are absolutely awesome. I’ve never hidden the fact that I’m pretty green in this field, so I am always keen to take on any new info I can.
“The guys I’m working with at Hawker Pacific and RFDS give me pointers and help me out wherever they can.
“Being with such a great crew who teach you and look out for you is fantastic.
“We have to make sure we uphold the most stringent safety records, and that becomes so much easier when you have extremely experienced guys showing you the ropes.”
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