Maritime Warfare South at HMAS Cerberus has hosted Defence work experience students for the first time, with 20 local teenagers getting to try out some of Navy's newest training facilities.
The students participated in a range of hands-on and interactive activities in state-of-the art buildings including the recently completed Survival at Sea Training Centre and School of Ship Safety and Survivability.
Deputy Director Mariner Skills Centre, Commander Ashley Shanks, was responsible for overseeing the introduction of this new capability into service. He said his team had no hesitation in supporting the work experience program with an experience normally reserved for Navy personnel.
”We’re proud of what we do, and we’re very happy to show aspiring members of the ADF, because we want to encourage them to join,” Commander Shanks said.
”Our risk assessments are for trainees as young as 17, so the work experience students did the Navy swim test as part of our risk assessment for the activities in Survival at Sea. This allowed the students to participate at their level of confidence.
”If they’re uncomfortable during the swim, they can just watch the survival at sea training. But, if they are confident in the water, then we’ll get them wet.
”This provides valuable insight into what is required and what to work on should they choose a career in the Navy.”
Commander Shanks said he’s supportive of the work experience program, having done it himself in year 11. He initially joined with the intention of becoming a Navy Pilot but found that he loved being underwater and changed direction to becoming a Clearance Diver.
”I never had the opportunity to dive before joining the Navy, so had no knowledge that there was such a career path or that it was suited to me,” Commander Shanks said. “Seeing the facilities and talking to actual sailors going through their training is the best way to understand what is on offer with a career in the Australian Defence Force.”
Defence's work experience program provides young Australians with an interest in a Defence career the opportunity to gain exposure to a wide range of job roles available. Maritime Warfare South will be hosting other placements throughout the year.
Participants in the Defence Work Experience Program practice safety jumps into the Survival at Sea training simulator during their visit to HMAS Cerberus, Victoria. This activity was conducted outside any COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria and in accordance with applicable COVID-Safe practices.
Photographer: LSIS James McDougall.
Article by Alex DeValentin