Student reaching for the sky on course

• Author: Alyssa Smith
• Published date: 24 May 2023
• Publication title: Stratford Press

Year 13 student Zoe Pitcher, 17, was one of 40 young women who took part in a week-long Royal New Zealand Air Force camp

School to Skies aims to give the participants an understanding of opportunities in the Air Force and the broader STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) industry.

Zoe says the Ohakea- based course wasn’t what she expected.

“I thought it would be all about recruitment as well but that wasn’t the case either. It was more about showing the opportunities in the air force and was focused on STEM careers. I also wasn’t expecting the RNZAF Ohakea Base to be like a full town so that blew my mind as well.”

Flight Lieutenant Olivia Landau, who was an officer in charge of the course, says research demonstrates getting ‘hands on’ with STEM and seeing role models gives participants the confidence to pursue STEM career pathways.

“About 17 per cent of attendants apply to the air force, however, any step towards a STEM career represents programme success.”

She says the course is specifically for young wahine, to get them involved with either the air force or a STEM-focused area.

“A military embracing women and diverse people reflects the diversity of the population it serves. Diverse perspectives and experiences can lead to better problem-solving and decision-making, as well as improved adaptability, innovation and creativity.”

Zoe found out about the course through an ad on Facebook.

“I originally signed up as something to do in the school holidays, but I’m so glad I did.”

Zoe has experience with camps, taking part in the Spirit of Adventure last year.

“I was still nervous, though. Spirit of Adventure helped me in the sense of meeting strangers and becoming friends, but I never understood why people got so emotional when it was time to go...