For most teenagers, high school work experience programs offer a brief and generally routine opportunity to kick the tyres on a potential future career.

That is of course unless the prospective employer is the Australian Army.

The Defence Work Experience Program (DWEP) gives teenagers the chance to get their hands on Army equipment, ride in a Bushmaster protected mobility vehicle, jam with the garrison band or workout on a combat obstacle course.

A cohort of Year 10, 11 and 12 students from schools across Queensland did just that during a recent three-day stint at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane – 7th Brigade, based at Gallipoli Barracks, hosts groups throughout the year.

The students had the opportunity to interact with multiple units on base, checking out everything from towed artillery to tactical drones.

South Queensland work experience manager Rhiannon Abberton said the DWEP was a triservice national initiative that gave interested teenagers the chance to experience a range of employment categories within the Australian Defence Force.

“Word of mouth plays such an important role in the program’s success, as participants often share their experiences with friends, family and classmates, helping to raise awareness and encourage interest among other young people,” Ms Abberton said.

“One student in this group applied because his friend told him it was the best three days he’d ever had, and he’s now talking about enlisting straight out of school.” 

Candidates are selected following a detailed application process and school referral. They then cover their own travel and accommodation costs.

“It showcases the diversity of careers available in Defence and challenges the perception of what a job in the Army entails,” Ms Abberton said.

“In the past two days we’ve visited the base band and scientists who do research into tropical diseases.” 

'I’m an Army Cadet, but seeing soldiering up close like this is a special experience and I’m so glad I got picked for the program.'

For many of the young visitors, the highlight was an opportunity to meet and speak to Vietnam veterans.

“They do the memorial walk together with the students and talk about the history of 9RAR (9th Brigade, the Royal Australia Regiment),” Ms Abberton said.

With a strict no phones policy, the teens are encouraged to work collaboratively to overcome their daily physical training challenges and develop camaraderie as a group.

After a soaked session tackling a water obstacle course, one student reflected on the engaging nature of their three days on base.

“It’s hard, you’ve got to give it all you’ve got,” he said.

“But, you’re making new friends and learning a lot. The soldiers are all really supportive and you find out so much just talking to them.”

Another student from Redland Bay described riding in an armoured vehicle at the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (QMI).

“I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face,” she said.

“I’m an Army Cadet, but seeing soldiering up close like this is a special experience and I’m so glad I got picked for the program.”

Ms Abberton said seeing former work experience participants wearing the uniform years later left little doubt that the program was a useful recruitment tool.

“I do see familiar faces among the units as we’re going around,” she said.