Both Rachel Bacon (nee Dudok) grandfathers worked around aircraft and their stories inspired her own passion for aviation. As an Australian Air Force Cadet, she took flying lessons and achieved the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. With an aptitude for subjects such as mathematics and technology, Rachel decided to pursue an engineering degree. During one of her work placements, she realised that she preferred to be hands-on rather than sitting behind a desk.
Following the completion of her Diploma in Aeroskills (Avionics) through Aviation Australia, Rachel is one step closer to realising her goal of working as a Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. Rachel has broadened her studies to include a Diploma of Management, with the intention of better understanding the dynamics of her work team at QANTAS.
This is the second timeRachel has been a finalist at the Australian Training Awards – she wasQueensland’s representative for the Australian Apprentice of the Year Award in 2012. Rachel is also an Australian Apprenticeships Ambassador for theAustralian Government.
Rachel won the Vocational Student of the Year Award at the 2014 Australian Training Awards. The award recognises the most outstanding vocational education and training student in Australia.