Royal Air Force Administrative Apprentice Association
|
The Association
The idea of forming an Association of ex-Administrative Apprentices was first considered in 1957 and again in 1960, but it
was not until the occasion of the 50th anniversary reunion of the 1st and 2nd Entries in 1997 that positive steps to form the
Association were taken. The Association was finally formed in 1998 at an inaugural meeting at RAF Innsworth, which
followed a positive reaction to an advertisement placed in The RAF News.
As a former member of the 29th Entry I trained as an apprentice Clerk Secretarial at Royal Air Force Hereford, between 1956
and 1958. I know only too well, the inescapable and enduring bond that is created between service men and women who
trained together, shared the same experiences, the hardships the laughter and sometimes the tears. This was particularly
true for those of us who were as young as 15 or 16 at the time we first met. In my own case some 50 years on, I still have
regular and rewarding contact with many of my ex-entry members and with members of other entries many of whom I had
never met before the advent of the Association. I am sure that I am just one of many more of the thousands of us who passed
through the portals of the various training units, that share the same enduring friendships.
This site is dedicated to all those who trained as an RAF Administrative Apprentice or served with the Royal Air Force
Administrative Apprentice Training Scheme between 1947 and 1973. The site provides as much historical background
information concerning the Air Ministry decision to begin an RAF Administrative Apprentice training scheme, as has been
possible, as well as briefly outlining the training structure, the training units and the progress of the scheme until the
programme was terminated in 1973. The site contains a varied selection of photographic and other memorabilia nearly all of
which has been provided by ex-apprentices, other personnel involved in some way with them and the various Units at which
Administrative Apprentices trained.
Most importantly he site has the following main objectives:
- To encourage non-member ex-administrative apprentices to join the Association
- A means whereby ex-Administrative Apprentices can make contact and thereafter keep in touch
Visitors are welcome to use the material contained in the site for non-profit making purposes. However, if you can help us
with any relevant additional information that you consider would be useful to the site, we would be grateful if you would
please let us know.
On behalf of the Chairman and Committee we hope that you enjoy your visit.
For the latest news and posts we suggest you start by visiting our Noticeboard Pages. Click the box below to go to the
noticeboard pages. The latest posts will be shown on Page 2.
Alan Bell
Website Manager
Welcome To The Official Website Of The RAF Administrative Apprentice Association
|
Site Updating
Since this site was originally created in 2005 it has grown considerably with the result that some inconsistencies and
duplication had inevitably taken place. This year I felt that it was time to give the site an overhaul and to try and give it a more
modern look and feel. While most of the historical material has been retained it is hoped that it will be easier for visitors to
navigate through the site. As you browse the site therefore you will find some pages have already been changed with others
progressively following suit.
Website Manager
May 2011
We will pleased to hear from anybody who served either as an Administrative Apprentice, or as a member of the permanent staff at one of the Administrative Apprentice Training Units. Your contribution whether this be simply a story, a photo or an item of memorabilia will be most welcome.
|
|
RAFAAA
TO CHECK FOR NEW POSTS! GO TO NOTICEBOARD
|
Association Chairman Mr Bryan Schofield
|
Association President Mr Jim Wilcox
|
The Members Gather For The Association Annual General Meeting Northampton Marriott Hotel 18th June 2011
|
This Site Was Last Updated 16th Jan 2012
|