Seventeen-year-old Jesc Forrester has already shown off his prodigious talent across a range of areas and CQUniversity's SUN (Start Uni Now) program has been a valuable proving ground.

While still at Gin Gin High School, Jesc gained a high distinction and distinction across 2 subjects in the Bachelor of Aviation degree and he is continuing as a BAT student while he seeks an apprenticeship as a diesel, aviation or vehicle mechanic.

Ron Bishop (left) and Jesc Forrester

There was a natural fit with the Aviation degree, since Jesc has been travelling around 6 hours a month to attend Air Force Cadets in Bundaberg. Cadets is led by BAT senior lecturer Ron Bishop as Commanding Officer of the local Squadron (with the rank of Flying Officer AAFC). About half a dozen cadets have been enrolled to study the Aviation degree recently.

Ron says Leading Cadet Jesc is a talented young man and hopes he will get the chance to enter the Aviation industry at some point in his career.

Meanwhile, the teenager is keeping busy by rebuilding a 1982 Hilux 4-wheel-drive from the ground up, playing golf (he has a handicap of 12) and learning guitar.

He has been fitting these interests around a part-time job for the past 3 years. As a 'senior junior' at work he has taken on the responsibility of training new staff and his job has helped pay for school tutoring and university costs.

Jesc also completed a school-based peer skills course which came in handy when he was asked to help encourage and mentor other students considering the SUN program.

Ron Bishop (left) and Jesc Forrester