Mark - Our First VK2 Foundation Amateur

VK2 Amateur Radio Foundation Course held in Sydney

On the weekend of November 12 and 13, 2005, fifteen candidates aged from 10 years to adult attended Parramatta for the first Foundation Course conducted by Fred Swainston and a number of WIA Assessors from ARNSW, Blue Mountains ARC, Hornsby & Districts ARC, Karuah Valley Radio Group, Twin Cities (Albury Wodonga) R & E Club and Waverly ARC who kindly donated their time, equipment and efforts to ensure a successful event.

The candidates made good use of the recently published WIA Manual "Your Entry Into Amateur Radio" which is essential study material for the Foundation Licence and proved itself an invaluable reference tool for the WIA Assessors.

Discussions with the candidates after the exam and practical assessment showed the exam was challenging for them but also exciting as the practical assessment allowed them 'on air' experience and helped to relax those nerves in front of a microphone. Assessments included familiarity with both HF and VHF/UHF radio equipment. The course consisted of two components, the multiple choice written exam and the practical assessment.

Fifteen candidates were competent in the practical asssessment and thirteen candidates were competent in the multiple choice exam. The two candidates who were not yet competent in the multiple choice exam were encouraged to try the multiple choice exam again after some further study.

We welcome our thirteen new VK2 Foundation amateurs and look forward to hearing them on the bands when they receive their licences. If you hear them on the bands, please extend a warm welcome and a guiding hand to our newest amateur radio operators.

73
Peter Tolmie VK2ZPT

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia