Civvie dive instructor benefits from Defence PoW Award

A qualification funded through Defence’s Prince of Wales Award (POWA) scheme will enable Corporal Kym Baldock to expand his civilian employer’s service offering, paving the way for an expansion of the Adelaide scuba diving business Dive Adelaide.

CAPTION: Corporal Kym Baldock leads a dive class at Second Valley, on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. Story by Flight Lieutenant Nick O’Connor.

The award recognises the dedication of ADF reservists and the valued support they receive from their civilian employers by providing up to $8000 towards a professional development activity that directly benefits their civilian employment.

Each award is granted on merit from a field of applications.

Corporal Baldock will use the award funds to complete an internationally recognised dive instructor course.

“This will mean I will be able to assist on the instructor development courses and certify assistant instructors,” Corporal Baldock said.

“I will come out of this experience with an in-depth knowledge of the instructor development process and can therefore better deliver the dive specific course curriculum across the full range of dive courses to others.”

Corporal Baldock paid tribute to his civilian employer for its sustained support of his ADF service as an infantry section commander.

“I’ve always been able to work my shifts around my Army commitments, so the support provided by Dive Adelaide has been amazing over the years,” he said.

Head of Joint Support Services Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw acknowledged the transferable values and leadership skills ADF reservists provided to their civilian workplaces.

“The Prince of Wales Award scheme provides funding for reservists to undertake training that provides enhanced knowledge and skills in their civilian workplace,” Major General Laidlaw said.

“I congratulate all recipients of the 2023 Prince of Wales Awards and encourage all ADF reservists to consider nominating for next year’s awards.”

More information on Defence support to ADF reservists and their civilian employers is available at reserveemployersupport.gov.au

 

 

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