The Technologist
Apprentice Scheme.
1982 saw the
introduction of the Technologist Apprentice Scheme to supplement the existing
Radio Trade Apprentice scheme. This new scheme arose from a perceived need to
train tradesmen capable of adopting a systems approach to the maintenance of
modem, complex high-technology aircraft introduced into RAAF service. Unlike
their trade Apprentice counterparts whose two year course was conducted entirely
at Radschool, Technologist Apprentices undertook a three year Certificate
of Technology course at Footscray College of TAFE as well as specialist training
at Radschool. 1988 saw the Certificate of Technology course upgraded to an
Associate Diploma in Engineering (Electronics).