Students from across northern Tasmania were given a behind-the-scenes look at life in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as part of the recent ‘Troops and Tides’ Defence Work Experience Program in Launceston.
The two-day event brought together Year 10 to 12 students from Launceston, Devonport, Burnie and surrounding areas and offered hands-on exposure to career pathways across Navy and Army.
Participants took part in simulator activities, tried on protective equipment, including vests and helmets, and handled ration packs.
The students met soldiers from the Royal Australian Artillery – who demonstrated the role of drones and emerging technologies in modern Defence operations – and personnel from the 12/40 Battalion, Royal Tasmania Regiment displayed Army vehicles, equipment and operational gear.
The Navy career component of the program at the Australian Maritime College gave students the chance to engage in a boat-building engineering challenge, a survival-at-sea exercise in a controlled pool environment, and the opportunity to captain a Navy patrol boat.
Defence’s Director of Youth Policy and Programs, David Atkins, said the initiative was designed to give regional students the opportunity to engage with Defence.
“Programs like Troops and Tides gives young people an invaluable chance to spend time with Australian Defence Force members at their place of business and learn about the jobs they do and the culture we have – something many students wouldn’t normally experience first hand,” said Mr Atkins.
“It’s incredibly important that students in places like Tasmania have the same opportunities as those on the mainland. This program helps bridge that gap, showing young people in regional and remote communities that a potential career in Defence is both accessible and achievable.”
To learn more about Defence Work Experience Programs, head to YouthHQ.
