Originally Posted by
clamspread
How competitive is the Rex Cadetship? Do you guys know what the acceptance rate is like?
I am 17; in Yr 11, I have a Cert II in IT, I've done RAAF Cadets, I have 10 flight hours, I'm doing Maths Adv and Physics as my HSC subjects, and I generally get good grades. So what would be the chances of getting in for a guy like me? I can't see myself pursuing any other career, and the Rex cadetship seems like the best pathway into aviation for me. I've got my heart set on this, but I want to have realistic expectations.
Also, is there anything else I could do to become a better candidate? Has Rex offered work experience in the past? I've done some digging, and I'm yet to find anything.
Thanks - clamspread
Work experience in an airline is difficult as anything airside will require an ASIC, which rules out hanging with engineers, groundies and tech crew. You might be able to do limited WE in the hangars or hanging around customer service. Only way to find out is to contact the company directly and show interest.
As for what can be done to improve chances. Get to know the industry, questions like why you want to work at x and why you want to be a pilot, how you have dealt with conflict and good knowledge of the aircraft the operator uses and the operators history. Think carefully of your aims in the industry, the people interviewing you will probably see through an answer like "I want to fly a SAAB until I retire at 65" from an 18 year old. Don't be too hooked up on one aircraft type either, you could do a fantastic speech about how you love the SAAB and want to fly them as long as possible and the guy interviewing you is on the project to replace them in a year.