The Defence Work Experience team, in partnership with the Land Engineering Agency (LEA) in Monegeetta, Victoria, delivered a specialised youth program on March 6 to celebrate International Women's Day.
The initiative brought together female secondary school students from regional communities to foster interest in STEM disciplines and highlight future career opportunities within the Department of Defence.
Developed in 2023, the annual program was created to expand access to STEM opportunities for young women living in regional Victoria. Now in its fourth year, it continues to provide participants with hands‑on learning experiences, direct engagement with Defence professionals and pathways into STEM careers.
Broadford Secondary College's Careers and Pathways Manager Deb Boyd said the influential women presenting on the day inspired her students to feel confident in pursuing STEM roles.
"Our girls thoroughly enjoyed everything. They were still buzzing on the way home and eagerly sharing their favourite activities, like the truck tilt, the Hawkei Protected Mobility Vehicle ride, the hot room, and even the lunch got a positive mention," Ms Boyd said.
"This year was such a positive experience that we will be back every year for as long as it is offered."
'Their positive feedback and energy at the end of the day strongly suggests the experience had a meaningful and motivating impact on them.'
Ms Boyd said that out of the nine young women she brought with her, seven were considering roles in the ADF in the future.
"One of them was inspired to become a combat engineer and follow in the footsteps of the guest speaker," Ms Boyd said.
"It was an absolutely sensational opportunity for our girls, and it has planted a seed in many of them. They left feeling inspired and had grins on their faces from ear to ear."
Defence Work Experience National Manager Navi Kaur said this year's cohort demonstrated exceptional engagement throughout the day.
"Throughout the program, they were highly engaged, asked thoughtful questions and showed clear enthusiasm for the activities," Ms Kaur said.
"Many expressed excitement about the new skills they learned and the career pathways they were introduced to. Their positive feedback and energy at the end of the day strongly suggests the experience had a meaningful and motivating impact on them."
The Defence Work Experience Program conducts around 300 programs nationally each year. To learn more about the program, visit www.defenceyouth.gov.au
