 During 1947 , the RAAF prepared for the introduction of an apprentice engineering scheme . Against a harsh post @-@ war economic climate , Mackinolty personally intervened to improve the planned accommodation for trainees , arguing that the youths could not be expected to live in the austere conditions to which other members of the Air Force were used . He further noted in his submission to the Minister for Air , Arthur Drakeford , that " the parents of apprentices will , from time to time , be permitted to visit their sons and it would be in the interest of both the Apprentice Scheme and the Service generally if all reasonable efforts were made to create a favourable impression in the minds of the parents " . Shortly after the first intake of engineer apprentices in January 1948 , Mackinolty formally proposed that a similar scheme be set up for apprenticeships in the supply and clerical trades . Although initially rejected by the Minister , after some refinements the plan came to fruition three years later as the Junior Equipment and Administrative Training Scheme . 
