Students Experience Army Life

Media Release

7 October 2010

Students Experience Army Life

One Hundred North Island secondary school students have been sacrificing a week of their school holidays to see if they have what it takes for a career in the New Zealand Army.

Students from schools around the North Island are taking part in an ‘ACE’ (Army Careers Experience) at Trentham Military Camp near Wellington and Linton Military Camp near Palmerston North.

The ACE gives students an up close and personal look at what Army life and careers are all about including activities in physical training, drill, interactive trade presentations and the NZ Army ‘extreme’ challenge.

"A career in the Army is more than just a job - it's a lifestyle. It provides adventure, travel and the best training and skills to set you up for life. There are more than 30 Army careers to choose from, from apprenticeships to careers supporting Army operations," says Warrant Officer Class Two (WO2) Wayne Gordon, Central Region Recruiting.

""The ACE provides a realistic and enjoyable view of career options available to students when they leave secondary school. The NZ Army promotes ethos, values and lifestyle as a key point of difference in the employment market."

Each year the Army hosts students from Year's 11, 12 or 13 in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch during the school holidays, who are interested in a career with the Army.

"Areas the Army is specifically looking to recruit for at the moment include the medical trades, supply, electrical and ammunition technicians and communications specialists," said WO2 Gordon.

Students who attend an ACE have been identified by Army recruiters, with recommendations from school career advisors, as suitable candidates for military service because of their leadership potential and enthusiasm towards the Army.

ENDS