MCpl Sarah Getz – School to Skies in New Zealand

September 17, 2024 – Royal Canadian Air Force

Caption

RCAF member, Master Corporal Sarah Getz recently took part in RNZAF’s program School to Skies.
Photo credit: Defence Public Affairs, New Zealand Defence Force 2024.

A passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and a tendency to jump in with both feet has enabled Master Corporal (MCpl) Sarah Getz to accomplish many great things, both in her personal life and in her career with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Her latest experience took her around the world to participate in the Royal New Zealand Air Force’s (RNZAF’s) School to Skies program. The program looks to increase the number of women in military STEM trades. As the only non-Kiwi member of the class, she felt the responsibility of representing the RCAF on a global level. Learning about the program and how it might be replicated within the RCAF were two of her key priorities.

MCpl Getz currently serves as Unit Personnel Selection NCM, Canadian Forces Recruiting Center Atlantic. Earlier this year, while covering for a colleague at the recruitment centre in Halifax, NS, she met a gentleman who, while born in Canada, was currently a serving member of the RNZAF. He knew the founder of the Air Force funded program, School to Skies, and when he explained the program’s goal of introducing young women to a career in military aviation, MCpl Getz was hooked.

A few emails later, and she received an invitation to attend this unique program. With program costs covered in New Zealand, she needed to arrange her flight. With the support of her team, she reached out to her former Helicopter Air Detachment Sergeant and mentor. “He took the information and connected me with CWO Turple at the Air Maintenance Branch at 1 Canadian Air Division in Winnipeg, MB,” MCpl Getz explained. “The Chief made it happen, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

Caption

Participants and instructors of the School to Skies class of 2024. RCAF member MCpl Sarah Getz is in the back row, sixth from left.
Photo credit: Defence Public Affairs, New Zealand Defence Force 2024.

Forty young women and seven NZ Air Force staff made up the School to Skies class of 2024 at RNZAF Base Auckland (Whenuapai). In four teams of ten, participants had the chance to learn about military aviation and share experiences with NZ Air Force personnel of all ranks. “I met a pilot and an engineer who had taken part in the School to Skies program,” said MCpl Getz. “To see the continuity of former participants who had not considered joining the military prior to attending the program, who are now in uniform and sharing their experiences was really cool.”

One of the highlights of her experience came once she was back in Canada. “I received a congratulatory email from RCAF Command Chief, CWO Hall,” MCpl Getz said. “The Warrant Office of the Air Force, WO Kerry Williams, had sent CWO Hall an article about the program and mentioned me.”

Caption

The RNZAF’s School to Skies program looks to increase the number of women in military STEM trades. RCAF member MCpl Sarah Getz (on right) recently took part in the program.
Photo credit: Defence Public Affairs, New Zealand Defence Force 2024.

The excitement continued for MCpl Getz when a follow-up email came from Group Chief Petty Officer 1st class Nathalie Scalabrini – Canadian Forces (CF) Recruiting Group. The message shared CPO1 Scalabrini’s appreciation for the impact of MCpl Getz’s work and noted that it was a privilege to have her representing the RCAF and the CF Recruiting Group in such a meaningful way.

Being recognized for her hard work, dedication, and positive influence and knowing that RCAF leadership supports her interests, makes all the difference to MCpl Getz and she welcomes whatever challenges come her way as a member of the RCAF. When asked what she would like to do next, MCpl Getz shared, “I hope to get promoted in the near future and continue to make a positive impact for women in uniform.”

MCpl Getz is also involved with Techsploration, a Nova Scotia-based organization with a mission of empowering young women and gender-diverse youth to explore careers in STEM. By connecting with grade nine students in their last year of mandatory academic level science and math, the goal is to encourage them to consider non-traditional jobs and to continue their studies in STEM. “With the program, I get to meet young women and possibly influence their career choices,” MCpl Getz says. “What can be better than that?”