Young Australians get on board exciting careers

Thousands of people had the opportunity to learn about life in the Navy at the inaugural Navy Life Expo (NavyLifeX23) in Sydney.

CAPTION. A HMAS Adelaide sailor helps a student from Navy Life Experience with fire hose operations during the inaugural Navy Life Expo in Sydney. Story by Lieutenant Jonathan Wills. Photos by Able Seaman Lucinda Allanson.

Visitors at the International Convention Centre, from November 7-8, spoke to officers and sailors from a variety of job categories to learn about life in the Navy and different entry pathways.

The event had a recruitment focus, and exhibits featured job roles such as combat systems operators, submariners, electronics technicians and cyber operators – all a high priority for Navy recruitment.

Assistant Minister for Defence Matt Thistlethwaite opened the event.

“We know the most important asset of the Royal Australian Navy is its people,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.

“Today provides an opportunity for young Australians to talk to current serving members, to experience what it’s like work in the Royal Australian Navy and to discover the diverse range of exciting careers that are available.”

Five hundred high school students from across NSW visited the expo and were transported from Darling Harbour to HMAS Adelaide at Fleet Base East in a Navy landing craft, as part of the Navy Life Experience school excursion program.

CAPTION: Students from the Navy Life Experience program on board HMAS Adelaide’s landing craft.

Once on board the ship, they received an interactive, hands-on tour. Lieutenant Commander Kristie Okely coordinated the activities.

“It’s been an incredible opportunity for over 250 school kids to come and experience life in the Navy, and get that hands-on experience where they get to touch and try out some of the systems on board,” she said.

Designed to coincide with the Chief of Navy’s Indo-Pacific Sea Power Conference, the Navy Life Experience and Navy Life Expo were part of the NavyLifeX23 package of events – to promote Navy as an employer of choice and give young Australians a preview into exciting career options.

Navy’s first-ever Fleet E-Sports Tournament was also held at the expo, to deliver a contemporary approach to recruiting.

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