Navy People: Set for a job that could take him anywhere
14 December 2010
Only a year ago, former Rockingham local, William Gladding was completing his final year at Frederick Irwin Anglican School. Now he’s set for a job that could take him anywhere.
William has just completed five months of officer training at the Royal Australian Naval College with his sights set on becoming a pilot in the Royal Australian Navy.
The New Entry Officer Course William has just graduated from, gives all new officers in the navy the fundamental qualifications and experience they will need to enter the fleet as junior leaders and managers.
“I always wanted to join the Defence Force. I joined the navy as I really wanted a career in aviation. The training and experience that you get in the navy was just such a great opportunity,” William said.
“Our training involved various types of leadership exercises varying in length and difficulty. We have been trained how to manage teams of people using our own leadership styles to achieve goals.
“I also had the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and embark in HMNZS Canterbury. It was such a great experience to be able to work with the New Zealand crew and learn how their ships operate.
“I really like the lifestyle aspect of the navy. Obviously there is a lot of hard work to do, but I guess, as an 18 year old, I wouldn’t get the same work and travel opportunities, like being able to travel to New Zealand.
“I have had the chance to work with a really diverse range of people, many of whom are older and have more experience than I do. This has really helped me to improve all my skills; and of course, I have made some great mates in the process.
“Mid next year I will begin the first part of my training to become a navy pilot. It takes about five years to complete all the training. I will be trained on how to fly the navy helicopters in all kinds of weather and sea conditions. We work in both land and maritime environments.”
William is looking forward heading home to Rockingham for Christmas and spending some time with his father, Peter, mother, Sandra, sister, Joanne and brother, Mathew and catching up with his friends and letting them know about his navy career so far.
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