Interested in working in Defence but want to know what it’s REALLY like first? The Defence Work Experience Program is for you!
Have you heard of the Defence Work Experience Program? It provides young Australians keen on a Defence career the chance to test out what it’s like to work in Defence and learn more about all the epic jobs available in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and Australian Public Service (APS).
All the activities in the program are hands-on and interactive, meaning you’ll have a lot of fun while you decide which Defence role is your perfect fit.
And good news: whether you’re in high school or already studying at uni, there are lots of opportunities available to you.
Visit the Defence website to find work experience placements currently open.
As long as you’re 15 years old at the time of placement, you’re good to go!
Fast facts
- The Defence Work Experience Program is run nationally for secondary and tertiary students
- The program also provides opportunities for female students, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and students studying STEM-related disciplines to engage with Defence.
- Its goal is to help ease the transition of young people into the workplace and showcase Defence careers.
See for yourself
Check out some of the incredible opportunities the Defence Work Experience Program has provided students!
Learning about submariners at HMAS Stirling
In April 2024, the Defence Work Experience Program in Western Australia hosted 14 students at HMAS Stirling.
HMAS Stirling is home to Australia’s six Collins-class submarines and students had the opportunity to talk to submariners and learn about their jobs.
The highlight was a visit to HMAS Waller where students got a tour of the submarine by experts in electronics engineering, marine, electronic technician and general submariner roles. Students also saw how submariners are trained and learnt about the different systems inside a submarine, how they work and how they’re maintained.
Testing STEM skills at Monegeetta Proving Ground
On International Women’s Day, the Land Engineering Agency’s Monegeetta Proving Ground held a special event for students, inspiring young women to consider study paths that lead to STEM careers.
Students met senior Defence leaders, including Sarah Myers, Assistant Secretary Armoured Fighting Vehicles, and Fiona Ince, Senior Specialist Engineer, plus ADF representatives.
They also got hands-on at the Testing Laboratories with 3D scanners, night and thermal vision goggles, clothing development, hot and cold chambers and vehicles.
STEM Immersion Week
The Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) runs this week-long event to show off its STEM careers, plus those with industry partners.
In STEM Immersion Week, you’ll get insights into how DSTG applies research in the engineering and science fields. You’ll also meet Defence scientists and engineers who will tell you all about what they do in their jobs and how they develop new capabilities for Defence.
During the program you’ll tour DSTG’s research facilities and get a close-up look at equipment that isn’t normally open to the public.
This might include everything from undersea surveillance equipment to navigation tech!
Types of work experience placements
Here are some examples of areas you could gain experience in:
- Aviation
- Communications, IT and intelligence
- Cyber security and robotics
- Engineering
- Aviation science
- Science
- Trades, including mechanics and electronics
This article originally appeared in Issue 3 of Careers with STEM: Defence issue and is sponsored by Defence.
