Fleet Engineering has kicked off a new initiative to highlight everything Navy has to offer the next generation of critical thinkers and problem solvers. 

Engineering students from the University of NSW recently stepped outside the classroom for a tour around the fleet to gain first-hand insight into careers they cannot experience anywhere else.

For many students, Defence is an unknown. This engagement aimed to change that.

Director Fleet Engineering Captain Cadeyrn Okely introduced the program to highlight how rewarding a career in naval engineering can be for aspiring young problem solvers. 

“This is an experiential activity to see our people, meet our people, be on board our ships and platforms engineers work on,” Captain Okely said. 

The visit exposed students to capabilities often taken for granted by those who work in uniform.

“As Navy engineers we forget the things we see every day. Operations with other ships, conducting a replenishment at sea, working with helicopters and submarines, and visiting other countries. Young engineers find these opportunities really exciting,” Captain Okely said.

'This experience is really helpful to look into what the Navy does and how other industries work with the Navy.'

Engineering student Nelson Hegge said the immersive experience helped him to better understand the day-to-day life of a Navy engineer.

“I’ve had my eyes opened to the breadth of opportunity. People don’t know what the opportunities are, and there are so many options on display,” Mr Hegge said.

For Devvie Murugesan, she had already attended Defence recruiting sessions, but relished the opportunity to deep dive into her specialist field of study – seeing the real-world applications of engineering and physical oceanography, highlighting the connection between STEM disciplines and Defence capability.

“The Navy was a convergence of what I want to do,” she said. “It’s a good STEM-based career.”

Ms Murugesan described the visit as a valuable chance to see how Navy personnel work day to day and how Defence collaborates with industry partners.

“This experience is really helpful to look into what the Navy does and how other industries work with the Navy,” she said.

Defence offers engineers opportunities that extend far beyond a traditional workplace. From advanced technology and global operations to collaboration across industry, academics and military capability, students left with a clearer understanding of how engineering skills can contribute to something bigger than themselves.