Making a military transition to the civilian workforce after Australian Defence Force (ADF) service can be exciting and challenging.
Following his career with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and as a commercial airline pilot, James Lavercombe decided to turn a new page in his career. A career transition dedicated to helping young people in a high-demand role as a high school mathematics teacher.
Read on to discover how 12 years of service with the ADF, a Qantas pilot career, and a global pandemic led James to study a Master of Teaching Secondary in mathematics with Charles Sturt. And find out why it’s never too late to start a teaching career.
What was your rank and role while serving?
“I joined the RAAF in 1989 and spent three years studying at ADFA. I graduated, passed number 162 Pilot’s course. Then I retired in 2001 as a Flight Lieutenant from 36 Squadron, where I was working as a flying instructor, teaching new graduates how to fly the C130. I retired from the RAAF in 2001 to join Qantas.”
Making the military transition to civilian life
From decades spent taking to the skies to finally landing in high school classrooms, James shares how his numeracy strengths and lasting impressions of his supportive teachers paved the way to his new career direction.
“I began tutoring students in mathematics when I was in Year 12 and had an incredibly supportive teacher who encouraged and worked with me to improve my very basic educational skills.
“I was a Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) during my time in the RAAF, serving at 2 Flying Training School in Pearce, WA and then back at 36 Squadron, and this time instructing ignited my passion for teaching.
“After retiring, I joined Qantas and, while working as a pilot, continued tutoring students in physics and mathematics. When COVID struck (in 2020), I was stood down from flying and decided that this would be the perfect time to upskill and commence the Master of Teaching (Secondary) at Charles Sturt University.
Studying secondary teaching online
Not only is Charles Sturt the largest online university1, but there are countless benefits to studying online. Benefits like complete flexibility, a community of support and access to limitless online resources helped James power through his teaching master’s. It’s these benefits that were crucial in supporting a successful military transition.
“Charles Sturt has been exceptional with the support and flexibility they offer in online education. Given that most of my studies took place during the various COVID lockdowns and associated restrictions, I found Charles Sturt easy to work with and empathic to my particular situation.
“Having not studied at a tertiary level since 1991, I found the student support with essay structure, referencing and how to best use the library brilliant. The Charles Sturt student portal is a wealth of information and an enormous resource for academic assistance.”
Memorable study moments
When asked about his most memorable moments during his studies, James recalls two key occasions that made a lasting impact.
“There are two. The first was a long and detailed discussion online with a student who lived through Soviet occupied Hungary. Her experiences with bigotry and racism while being educated as a young student. It was a stark reminder of the broad and complex world that we live in.
“The second was during COVID, when a backlog of students was trying to get into school placements for their practical work. Charles Sturt threw open the doors and allowed us, as students, to see if we could use any contacts we had in local schools to secure a place. An excellent example of flexibility and lateral thought during a difficult time.”
Starting a secondary maths teaching career
James is ready to start his new high school maths teaching career, armed with the skills, knowledge and teaching practice to be a positive role model and mathematics educator.
“I’ll start casual teaching in the Canberra area to build up my skills. I would like to bring a different life experience to the classroom. I’m aware of how much I need to learn to become an effective secondary teacher. But I believe my time in the Australian Defence Force and the aviation industry will be of interest to many students.”
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Best advice for future teachers
“Don’t hesitate to explore and investigate their (Charles Sturt’s) programs. I have found the Charles Sturt experience incredibly professional, flexible and empathetic. They are genuinely concerned with and actively engaged in your learning journey.”
Ready to make a military transition to a civilian career?
At Charles Sturt University, we understand the unique needs of veterans and currently serving Australian Defence Force personnel. Our Veteran Pathway and Support Program offers everything you need to successfully transition to a civilian career that suits your goals and interests. From direct entry pathways to credit for your military rank and qualifications. You’ll get the resources and support you need to build your next career. You can also explore our full range of courses.
- Department of Education, National Data Collection File, 2023 ↩︎
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