ALUMNI & CAREERS
Careers Team
The Pathways office is always open to support all students at every stage of their career journey. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the pathways team.
Brenna Loe, Careers & Pathways Leader
Email: Brenna.Loe@education.vic.gov.au
Holly Ryder, VET & Pathways Coordinator
Email: Holly.Ryder@education.vic.gov.au
Need a careers appointment? Book here https://calendly.com/holly-ryder/15min
Careers Expo - Golden Plains
Golden Plains Council is hosting their annual Careers Expo on Thursday 4th June
The Expo will take place from 10:00am until 5:00pm at the YMCA Bannockburn Recreation Centre with short talks with industries and education institutions
Stallholders will cover industries including education and training (Universities, TAFEs and GTOs), emergency services, defence and aviation, agriculture and wind farming, aged care and community services, employability services, volunteering and local business. Representation for vocational industries such as hair, beauty, and hospitality will also be in attendance.
Defence Work Experience Programs
We are pleased to invite high school students aged 15–18 years to apply for Defence’s Work Experience Programs being delivered across Victoria in 2026. These youth‑focused programs introduce students to the wide range of career pathways available within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the Navy, Army and Air Force, as well as the Australian Public Service (APS).
All program information and links to apply online are available through our website Defence Careers - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience
Successful applicants will be notified via email. Students should read the details carefully so they understand what each program offers. We have more exciting programs planned for this year (including STEM programs!) and will continually update our website as dates are confirmed. So, keep an eye on the website!
Careers Expos and Open Days – This Weekend!
Army Open Day: Puckapunyal Military Area
Puckapunyal VIC / Saturday 14 March
- In celebration of 125 years of service to the nation, Army bases across Australia will open their gates to the community on Saturday 14 March 2026.
- Please see the attached poster and QR link for more information. No registration is required for this event.
Simpson Barracks Army Expo: Simpson Barracks
Yallambie VIC / Saturday 14 March
- ADF Careers and the Defence Work Experience team will both be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.
- Registration is required for this event. Please see attached poster for the QR registration link.
If you or your students have any further questions our team are always happy to help and can be reached via the inbox vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au
Defence Work Experience Programs
Army Familiarisation Program: Puckapunyal Military Area
Puckapunyal VIC / Monday 1 – Thursday 4 June
- This work experience program will run over 4 days and will introduce students to career opportunities with various Army Units including Artillery, Armour and Transport.
- This is an overnight program with meals and on base accommodation provided at no cost to successful applicants.
- Online applications close 19 Apr 2026
- For more information and to apply, follow the link Defence Careers - Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal (June)
STEM To The Rescue: Wantirna (June)
Wantirna South VIC / Monday 22 – Friday 26 June
- This 5 day program offers an immersive experience to tackle real-world STEM challenges. Students will have the opportunity to visit a range of Defence and industry facilities focused on STEM innovation.
- Lunch is provided each day however students must make their own way to and from Wantirna South each day.
- Online applications close 26 Apr 2026.
- For more information and to apply, follow the link Defence Careers - STEM To The Rescue: Wantirna (June)
Day in the Life of a Medic/Nurse: Bandiana
Bandiana VIC / Tuesday 4 August
A one day immersive experience into the lifestyle and career opportunities available within the Medical trades in Defence.
Lunch will be provided however students must make their own way to and from the Albury Wodonga Military Area.
Online applications close 7 June 2026
For more information and to apply, follow the link Defence Careers - Day in the Life of a Medic/Nurse: Bandiana (August)
Army Trades Familiarisation (Engineering, Electrical and Health): Bandiana
Bandiana VIC / Wednesday 5 August
A one day opportunity to interact with Army personnel and gain insight into opportunities available for Electrical, Mechanical and Medical trades within the Army.
Lunch will be provided however students must make their own way to and from the Albury Wodonga Military Area.
Online applications close 7 June 2026
For more information and to apply, follow the link Defence Careers - Army Trades Familiarisation (Engineering, Electrical and Health): Bandiana (August)
Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Placement
Bandiana VIC / Monday 24 to Friday 28 August
This program is specifically for young people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage aged 15-18 (Years 10-12).
During this five‑day, four‑night residential program, students will experience an immersive introduction to Army life at the Army Logistics Training Centre in Bandiana.
Army will book and pay for transport from the closest transport hub from the participant’s home location to attend the activity. Meals and accommodation during the program will also be included.
Online applications close 12 July 2026.
- For more information and to apply, follow the link Defence Careers - Jobs List - Defence Work Experience Program
Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal Military Area
Puckapunyal VIC / Monday 12 – Thursday 15 October 2026
- This work experience program will run over 4 days and will introduce students to career opportunities with various Army Units including Artillery, Armour and Transport.
- This is an overnight program where meals and on base accommodation will be provided at no cost to successful applicants.
- Online applications close 9 August 2026
- For more information and to apply, follow the link Defence Careers - Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal (October)