Three midshipmen taking part in a unique Navy work experience program have described it as 'a whole different kind of world' and 'most certainly not your average work experience'.
Midshipmen Jake Maurer, Brodie Miller and Paviththiran Sivanathan are studying under the Defence University Scheme - Navy Undergraduate Entry Officer Scheme (UGRAD), and recently completed a component of the UGRAD Work Experience Program (WEP) in Darwin, at HMAS Coonawarra.
Available to UGRAD members during their university holidays, the program allows the chance to experience life on naval bases across Australia, spend time on HMA Ships and work closely with serving, skilled members in fields they are studying.
For these three midshipmen, who are all studying streams of engineering, the program was a great opportunity to gain real life Navy and engineering knowledge and experience in a short time.
Midshipman Maurer, from Brisbane, is studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Queensland, and learnt about the UGRAD WEP from the Navy Education team during his initial training at the Undergraduate Entry Officer Course.
"They told us we would have the opportunity to get some hands-on experience in our uni breaks and I have to say it has been such a highlight to work in Darwin and spend a little time on HMAS Broome participating in a sea trial," he said.
"It was great to see what happens on the bridge whilst operations are under way."
Midshipman Miller is studying Mechanical Engineering Honours majoring in Aerospace Engineering at the same university, and said his highlight has been meeting the staff at the Patrol Boat Systems Program Office and the Navy team throughout all of the patrol boat enterprise.
"The people here are clearly very dedicated and hardworking and although they're busy, they have all been super friendly and helpful to us newbies learning the ropes," Midshipman Miller said.
"I would encourage all undergraduate students to engage in the UGRAD WEP as much as possible. Not only has it been a great learning experience for my engineering career, it has given me an insight into our Navy and some of its capabilities."
Midshipman Sivanathan, who is studying a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at Victoria University, in Melbourne, enjoyed learning how patrol boats are maintained as well as the hierarchy of the boats and the handling of emergency situations.
"To say that we were really happy to have this opportunity would be an understatement," Midshipman Sivanathan said.
"We got to connect with serving members and see what our lives will be like in the future when we graduate.
"I would encourage anyone that is considering applying for the UGRAD program to go for it - it's a whole different kind of the world."
UGRAD allows people to join the ADF and study for a job-relevant degree at their choice of accredited university. They earn a salary while completing their degree and have tuition fees and academic costs paid for.
