One of the students takes on the physical training exercises during the visit to the engineering schools at the Australian Defence Force Academy

As part of a recruiting initiative for engineers by Defence, a group of 60 Year 11 and 12 students from around Australia recently visited the Australian Defence Force Academy.

The students lived in the cadet accommodation, were hosted by cadets and participated in academic and military activities and came from all states of Australia.

Students were introduced to the three engineering schools at the Academy, the School of Civil Engineering, the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering and the School of Electrical Engineering.

The young students were fascinated to learn that ADFA cadets current studying mechanical engineering will eventually end up repairing and maintaining the ADF's ships, planes, tanks and other military vehicles.

The students were split into three groups to visit the academic schools.

In the School of Electrical engineering they completed a small electronic circuit board that they took away with them, while in aeronautical engineering students were introduced to aerodynamics via the tried and tested paper plane.

The students also viewed a military training presentation and actually participated in suitable physical training lessons, such as the over-water obstacle course.