Support to get Indigenous Defence Force jobs

ETC’s Indigenous Services Team organised for three young girls – Keyarna, Tahneill and Jaimaya – to attend an Australian Defence Force (ADF) Experience Weekend and YOU (Your Opportunities Unleashed) session at the Defence Force Recruiting Office on the Gold Coast.

Here’s a recap of the weekend, provided by ETC Indigenous Employment Officer Jennie Rosser (Aunty Jen):

Arriving at the ADF office on Friday morning, the girls and I were transported to the Army Base in Brisbane for a tour and got to see Army life first hand by visiting barracks and having lunch in the mess hall.  This was followed by the girls having hands-on experience at several different activities such as:

• Holding a weapon (Sniper gun)
• Climbing into an actual Army tank
• Manoeuvring large missile guns
• Army Intelligence Operations (how to use it and what it is used for)
• Stepping inside an Army Dome, which is used by American armed forces and is a new training initiative for the Australian Army.

The girls showed a lot of interest in all the activities and asked lots of questions. They thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the Army Base, the tour and having hands-on experience to gain a better understanding of Indigenous Defence Force job opportunities.

On Saturday the girls sat an online Aptitude Test (Maths/English) for 2 hours and once completed their results unleashed a printed version of a whole range of opportunities within the NAVY, Army and Airforce.

The girls then had individual interviews with the Defence Force team to discuss those opportunities and pathways into the Defence Force.

The girls were extremely happy with their results and pathways which boosted self-confidence, self-esteem and pride within themselves.

“These young Aboriginal girls are normally very shy and ETC seized the opportunity to take them out of their comfort zone, venture from their community and experience something totally out of their realm,” said Aunty Jen.

Aunty Jen said the weekend resulted in some exciting outcomes for the girls:

• One of the girls has already applied for the NAVY and is awaiting a Mental Health Medical Clearance which should see her travelling to the NAVAL base in Melbourne in June/July 2020.
• Another girl has received multiple job opportunities in the Army (her preference) as an Artillery Operator, Combat Support Operator, Marine Specialist, Combat Engineer, Infantry Soldier and more.
• The third girl will undertake either study at Coffs TAFE for the Defence Force Year 10 Course or study her Year 10 on the Army base for 5 months. Once completing her Year 10 course she can resit the Aptitude test in 5 months’ time.

Keyarna, Tahneill and Jaimaya all thanked ETC for helping to organise this opportunity for them to gain insight into Indigenous Defence Force jobs.

Are you Aboriginal and looking for a job, or need more training to increase your employment opportunities or enhance your career?

ETC’s Indigenous Services Team (IST) aims to assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to find work or improve their current job situation.

ETC’s Indigenous Employment Advisors link Aboriginal people with training pathways and employment opportunities and provide practical assistance such as developing a resume or applying for a job. They have strong connections in the local community and will listen and support you to help you achieve your goals.

For more information, contact your local Indigenous Employment Advisor on our free call 1800 007 400 or fill out the enquiry form on this page.