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RAAF Base Williamtown has hosted a group of high school students to demonstrate STEM career pathways in Defence.
As part of the Defence Work Experience STEM Immersion Program, the 10 students spent a week at the Air Force base in the NSW Hunter region, meeting with ADF, Australian Public Service and Defence industry professionals.
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“Students visited several Defence units at RAAF Base Williamtown, including 1 Combat Communications Squadron, where they learned about information technology network operations and cyber-focused roles; 2 Expeditionary Health Squadron, which delivers aviation health support; and the Integrated Training Centre, home to technical training for the F-35A Lightning II aircraft,” Defence said.
“Participants also gained insight into air traffic control operations and the critical role they play in supporting military aviation.”
Students were also connected with Defence’s industry partners to “explore career opportunities beyond military service”.
“Representatives from BAE Systems Australia showcased their work supporting the F-35A Joint Strike Fighter program and software engineering projects, while Boeing Defence Australia provided insight into engineering support for the E-7A Wedgetail aircraft,” Defence said.
“Lockheed Martin Australia also highlighted its engineering and technical support roles associated with the F-35A Lightning II fleet.”
According to ADF director of youth policy and programs David Atkins, these programs “help students connect what they learn in the classroom with real-world opportunities”.
“These programs provide students with direct access to people working in STEM fields and the opportunity to learn more about the education and career pathways available to them,” he said.
“We want young people to see the range of opportunities that exist and better understand how the STEM skills they are developing today can open doors in the future.
“Experiences like getting behind the controls of a Hawk 127 simulator help bring STEM to life and give students an experience they are unlikely to forget.”
Lockheed Martin broke ground on a new $85.9 million Air Power Precinct at Williamtown earlier this year, which will house the National Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Ecosystem, designed to support next-generation IAMD systems and bolster Australia’s sovereign defence capability.
The precinct will also deliver critical sustainment support for Australia’s F-35 fleet and underpin regional sustainment arrangements for other F-35 operators across the Indo-Pacific.
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