From Air Cadet to RNZAF Engineer
Oamaru woman Jena Scott has thrived on the challenge of being pushed outside her comfort zone during the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF) latest officer course.
Pilot Officer Scott was one of the next group of RNZAF officers who marched out at Base Woodbourne last week after completing the Initial Officer Training Course.
She began to consider a career in the Air Force after becoming an Air Cadet while at school.
“I liked the idea of joining the military, but I also wanted to get a degree, and the Air Force was a great way to go and do some tertiary study, then join up and use that training in a useful way,” she said.
During the Initial Officer Training Course cadets learn everything they need to know before entering the RNZAF workforce.
“I have really enjoyed this course. One reason for that was getting to know great people, the other was the challenging nature of the course,” Pilot Officer Scott said.
“It has been really cool to be pushed outside my comfort zone, challenging myself and finding that I have been learning so much.”
While she expects to be posted a couple of times in the next few years as a junior engineering officer, she is still learning her trade.
“I expect it to be a challenging and varied role — the sort of thing where no two days are the same. I expect to be constantly learning, and I don’t think it will be a job that I could get bored in,” she said.
“However, comparing the skills I have now, as opposed to when I started the course, it is great to see how much I have learnt in such a short period of time.
She said anyone considering joining the Air Force should not be afraid to give it a go.
“I think one thing is not being too hesitant to join. Yes, it is a big commitment, but it is really rewarding in the skills you get, the people you meet, and the experiences you have.”
