A Navy Gap Year introduced Andrew to the job of marine technician – and he hasn’t looked back
As a marine technician submariner, Andrew is responsible for making sure the Australian Navy’s submarines run smoothly, always keeping an eye on the systems and doing maintenance to ensure everything is safe and working properly.
Andrew wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after high school, so he took a Navy Gap Year – a 12-month paid program that offers a taste of Navy life – and discovered the marine technician field, which he found interesting because it was hands-on and similar to an industrial electrician, a gig he was already interested in. Through the Navy, Andrew also got his electrical fitter’s licence, so he has something to fall back on.
Sub-tacular experience
One of the most exciting experiences Andrew has had was diving and surfacing a submarine.
“Being in control of the systems we use to dive the submarine and then making reports on the state of the systems to the captain is a pretty surreal feeling,” he says. “Everyone takes it very seriously and it’s like watching an action-packed movie, but you’re one of the main actors.”
Andrew thinks he’s hit the jackpot with his Navy career: “You get a very competitive salary while learning a trade, you get to work on a wide variety of equipment, you meet some awesome people and have amazing experiences that a lot of people could only dream of.”
Andrew’s study and career path to becoming a marine technician
- Certificate II in Engineering
- Certificate III in Electrical Fitting
- Marine technician submariner, Royal Australian Navy
This article was first published in Careers with STEM: Defence 2023. For more Defence role models, head to our STEM + Defence role model hub!
