Your role as an ADF Gap Year Electronics Engineer involves spending a year experiencing what it’s like to be one of the Navy’s electronics and combat systems experts, while getting paid to travel both at sea and around different Australian Navy bases. It’s a unique opportunity where you gain invaluable life and work experience, while making friends that could last a lifetime.
You’ll learn what the Navy's Electronics Engineers do, from leading teams of highly specialised staff to providing technical advice to the Command team. This experience will show you what's possible as an Engineer in the Navy.
You’ll get an insight into different engineering roles on ships and bases across the country, and you’ll see how Navy engineers tackle a range of challenges to make sure the mission is achieved. Be immersed in a world of complex equipment across radar, sonar, communication, navigation, and weapons systems, as well as getting the opportunity to contribute to operations on board. By working alongside experienced Engineers, you’ll learn about their everyday duties, such as managing teams of technicians, coordinating and scheduling tasks, and being part of the leadership team onboard ships and bases.
You will be supported throughout your training by professional and enthusiastic Navy personnel who will provide the guidance necessary for you to get the most out of this experience. Your Gap Year will be broken up into different stages. This will give you the opportunity to receive basic training and to tour Navy's shore establishments. You will experience life at sea, as well as what it is like to be employed ashore. As a Navy Gap Year officer, you will be provided with the opportunity to contribute to the operation of the ship or unit.
Your training will begin at the Royal Australian Naval College (RANC), HMAS Creswell in Jervis Bay, NSW, where you'll complete a 15-week course alongside other new Navy officers prior to continuing with the program. RANC is an energetic environment where you will be challenged to meet Navy standards of fitness, demeanour and behaviour.
Coupled with the highest standard of leadership training, the skills you'll gain across this role are transferable to other management and leadership positions and will provide you a unique edge.
Note: The program is designed to offer workplace experience as an Electronics Engineer, not to provide training that qualifies you for the role. Find out more about the full-time role here.