Defence Work Experience

The Defence Work Experience Program is hosting a number of exciting placements and events in the coming months. We are currently accepting applications from students in Years 10 to 12 with an interest in careers in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). For more information, please visit the Defence Work Experience Program Job List website. Please remember to check the Jobs List website regularly for newly advertised placements.

1. Simpson Barracks Expo 2025

Witness thrilling demonstrations and enjoy this fantastic opportunity to experience military life up close and personal.
Location: Simpson Barracks, VIC
Event Date: 18 May 2025
Link to register: Simpson Barracks Expo 2025
Further details: Please find flyer attached

2. Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal (June)

A 4-day placement hosted by the Army’s Artillery, Armour and Transport Units.
Location: Puckapunyal Military Area, Puckapunyal, VIC
Placement Dates: 02 – 05 June 2025
Applications close: 11:30pm Thursday 24 April 2025
Link to apply: Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal (June)

3. Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne: HMAS Cerberus

A program designed specifically for students with an interest in Musician roles in the Navy.
Location: HMAS Cerberus, VIC
Placement Dates: 30 June – 04 July 2025
Applications close: 11:30pm Sunday 27 April 2025
Link to apply: Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne: HMAS Cerberus

4. Reserve Immersion Day Placements: Various Regional Locations

A series of one day events designed for students with an interest in Reserve or Full-time Army careers.
Location: Various Regional Locations, VIC
Placement Dates: June 2025
Link to apply: Defence Work Experience Program Job List

In addition, applicants may apply for interstate placements, however please refer to travel and accommodation details in the placement Information Packs.

If you have any questions regarding the Defence Work Experience Program, please email vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au.

Army Careers Day

The Department of Defence will be hosting Army Careers Day at Puckapunyal on Friday 12 September 2025. This opportunity is available to all interested students across Victoria and Albury NSW (Years 9-12).

This event has been developed to showcase the variety of careers (full-time and part-time) available in the Army and Defence. It will provide students an insight into:

Benefits within the Australian Army which is one of the world’s leading military forces
A valuable opportunity to have one-on-one discussions with Australian Defence Force (ADF) members to discuss their experiences and lifestyle
Interaction with ADF Recruitment team about current job vacancies, salary and benefits, Defence University Sponsorship, Defence Force Academy, GAP Year, STEM opportunities

On behalf of the Australian Army (Land Combat College), the Directorate of Youth (Defence Work Experience Program) and ADF Careers, we would like to extend the invitation for your students to attend the Army Careers Day on Friday 12 September 2025 from 10 am – 2pm.

Please refer to the attached documents for further details about this event.

If your school has an interest in attending this exciting event, please complete the attached spreadsheet and email to vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au by no later than COB Sunday, 29 June 2025.

Please feel free to contact us at vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au if you have any queries.

Dates to Remember