Brittany-Leigh Wragg is only 21 but has already achieved much since joining the Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) last year.
Graduating from the program in August, Brittany-Leigh was awarded the Defence Leadership Award, followed by West Australian Trainee of the Year in September.
She capped it all off by taking home the Australian Trainee of the Year in Adelaide, showing other defence industry hopefuls what success is possible with the DIPP.
The DIPP is a 12-month traineeship, fully funded by the Australian Government, that provides West Australian school leavers with the range of skills necessary to gain employment in Australia’s growing defence industry.
Graduates gain a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways, which differs from other trade pathways in that students can complete units of competency across various defence support industries.
It is a ‘try before you buy’ model in which students learn what skills and capabilities are required for a career in the defence industry.
Ms Wragg first applied to the DIPP because of her interest in the maritime sector and the many career pathways available.
Interested in a hands-on, trade specific career, she began her placement at Civmec Construction and Engineering and became involved in a variety of work on the Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel project.
Ms Wragg said sampling different roles and gaining real-life experience while building a network of industry contacts was something only possible in the DIPP.
“The DIPP played such an important role in winning these awards and has really shown me that I chose the right career pathway. It helped me find my passion and supported me through my entire journey,” Ms Wragg said.
“I had the chance to network with amazing people who contributed so much to me personally, both staff and fellow trainees. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the program.”
Head Patrol Boats and Specialist Ships Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said the string of trainee awards reflected Ms Wragg’s dedication to maximising the DIPP’s opportunities.
“The DIPP gives trainees the freedom to develop their skills and find their optimal pathway, ensuring that they will find the best fit with defence industry employers,” Rear Admiral Malcolm said.
“Brittany-Leigh seized the opportunity to learn, train, and now work in the defence industry. In just over a year, she has been become an advocate for the continuously expanding naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry, proving that this is an exciting space open to everyone.”
After completing her studies, Ms Wragg accepted her dream role as a mechanical fitter machinist apprenticeship with Western Australian defence industry employer Hofmann Engineering.
