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If you’re looking for the chance to do things you don’t do in everyday life, then the Australian Defence Force Cadets (ADF Cadets) is for you.

The ADF Cadets is a community-based youth development programs supporting 13 to 18 year-olds through activities focused on Defence customs, traditions and values that help them thrive in a team environment, improve communication skills, and become responsible members of the local community. As a cadet you’ll learn leadership, team building and survival skills that will set you up for life.

There are around 28,000 cadets currently enrolled in the three Cadet programs Australia-wide with hundreds of units in all states and territories so there's bound to be one near you.

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INTRODUCTION

Indigenous students experience Army life

A group of Indigenous Australian youths explored life in the Army during a work experience day at 10 Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) in Bindal Country, Townsville.

Students get the chance to experience world-class Navy training

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.

A taste of life in Defence’s Land Engineering Agency

The Defence Work Experience Program is up and running again, with three Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology students getting a taste of life in Defence’s Land Engineering Agency.

Students celebrate International Women’s Day at RAAF Wagga Base

Students celebrate International Women’s Day at Royal Australian Air Force Wagga Base

Air Force Technical Experience for Young Women residential placement was held over four days at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Wagga Base.

Defence inspiring tomorrow’s aspiring Indigenous STEM leaders

Students from the Indigenous Science and Infrastructure Development School have toured of Gallipoli Barracks in order to gain insight into a potential career in the Australian Army.

Australia’s Youth Policy Framework – revised.

Australia’s Youth Policy Framework outlines how Australian Government policies and programs are supporting and improving the lives of young Australians. It acknowledges disruptions to education, employment and social opportunities for young people caused by COVID-19. Read More

Defence Annual Reports

A range of youth initiatives, combined with enhancements to previous programs have been delivered/implemented by Defence:

The Air Force Indigenous Youth Program provides Indigenous candidates with hands-on experience, highlighting the range of career opportunities available within Air Force. During 2020–21 the program was suspended due to COVID. It was reinstated in June 2021. (2020-2021 Report)
Pathway programs to support Indigenous Australians progressing to a career in the ADF were conducted in Cairns, Darwin, Kapooka and Wagga Wagga. In addition, the Defence Work Experience Program hosted 437 Indigenous students across Australia. (2019-2020 Report)

COVID 19 Defence Work Experience news

Planning for future Defence Work Experience placements are ongoing and will be implemented when it is safe to do so in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures governing the States and Territories. As placements are confirmed, they will be advertised on our online placement list and we encourage you to check the website regularly.
A body of work has been completed to ensure that future placements are planned.

Indigenous students experience Army life

A group of Indigenous Australian youths explored life in the Army during a work experience day at 10 Force Support Battalion (10 FSB) in Bindal Country, Townsville.

Students get the chance to experience world-class Navy training

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.

A taste of life in Defence’s Land Engineering Agency

The Defence Work Experience Program is up and running again, with three Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology students getting a taste of life in Defence’s Land Engineering Agency.

Students celebrate International Women’s Day at Royal Australian Air Force Wagga Base

Air Force Technical Experience for Young Women residential placement was held over four days at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Wagga Base.

Defence inspiring tomorrow’s aspiring Indigenous STEM leaders

Students from the Indigenous Science and Infrastructure Development School have toured of Gallipoli Barracks in order to gain insight into a potential career in the Australian Army.

Australia’s Youth Policy Framework – revised.

Defence Annual Reports

A range of youth initiatives, combined with enhancements to previous programs have been delivered/implemented by Defence: The Air Force Indigenous Youth Program provides Indigenous candidates with hands-on experience, highlighting the range of career opportunities available within Air Force. During 2020–21 the program was suspended due to COVID. It was reinstated in June 2021. (2020-2021 Report) Pathway programs to support Indigenous Australians progressing to a career in the ADF were conducted in Cairns, Darwin, Kapooka and Wagga Wagga. In addition, the Defence Work Experience Program hosted 437 Indigenous students across Australia. (2019-2020 Report)

COVID 19 Defence Work Experience news

Planning for future Defence Work Experience placements are ongoing and will be implemented when it is safe to do so in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures governing the States and Territories. As placements are confirmed, they will be advertised on our online placement list and we encourage you to check the website regularly.A body of work has been completed to ensure that future placements are planned.