Close to a 1000 secondary students from all over Victoria descended onto Puckapunyal Military Area to get a taste of military life at the Army Careers Day.

On September 12, wave after wave of buses delivered the students, teachers, career advisers and parent volunteers to Puckapunyal. Hosted by the Defence work experience team, they were greeted by soldiers from the Army Schools of Artillery, Armour, Transport, Ordnance, Intelligence, Signals and many more.

The Army Careers Day aims to highlight the benefits and variety of full- and part-time roles available in the Army and wider Defence, including Defence Science and Technology Group. 

It provides a valuable opportunity for young Australians to meet ADF and Australian Public Service personnel to discuss their careers, experiences, lifestyle and culture. It also lets participants interact with ADF Careers to gain an understanding of the 300 jobs available, entry pathways, salaries and benefits. 

Participants had the chance to ride in a Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle (PMV), talk to each other on section radio and even enjoy an honest-to-goodness hot-box lunch while the Australian Army Band – Melbourne played Aussie pub rock classics.

'Allowing students to take part in this immersive experience, connecting with our military personnel and seeing Army capability first-hand is a really engaging way to inspire the next generation.'

Head of Reserves and Cadet Support Division Major General Douglas Laidlaw was at the event, enjoying the chance to interact with the visiting students.

“Defence work experience programs and initiatives like this one allow the opportunity for students to get up close and talk with our soldiers about what a career in the ADF might look like for them,” Major General Laidlaw said.

“Allowing students to take part in this immersive experience, connecting with our military personnel and seeing Army capability first-hand is a really engaging way to inspire the next generation.”

Hopping out the back hatch of a Bushmaster PMV, 16-year-old Sarah from Mount Ridley College in Craigieburn, Victoria, confirmed what a great experience this event was and how useful she found it, having recently applied to the ADF Gap Year program.

“I've always loved aviation and the military,” Sarah said. 

”People need assistance around the world and I want to put some effort in to helping them.” 

To find out more about Defence work experience opportunities, visit www.defenceyouth.gov.au, or to explore ADF Careers visit www.adfcareers.gov.au