The career event, which an initiative of the Roxby Downs Education and Workplace Training Forum, was held from Monday 22 to Thursday 25 and is a speakers program where guests come to talk about education and training pathways, career opportunities and personal journeys to inspire young people.

Speakers came from industries and businesses including hospitality, trade schools, BHP Billiton, Port Adelaide Football Club, the Australian Defence Force, fitness and leisure, TAFESA, universities, Young Australia Productions and CEG amongst others.

Two people from the defence force – Flight Lieutenant Shalini McGibbon from the Airforce and Petty Officer Corbin Dingle from the Navy – gave a presentation to students and parents at the cultural precinct theatre on Wednesday night and to some year 10, 11 and 12 students at Roxby Downs Area School on Thursday about what the defence force can offer.

RDAS students Jess Sims and Kristen Worby are both currently studying year 12 and have applied for the GAP Year program in the Army and Navy respectively.

Both Jess and Kristen enjoyed learning about what the defence force can offer.

“I learnt more about it, like things you can do and places you can go,” Jess said.

Kristen agreed.

“I learnt more about the navy and it’s something I want to do when I finish school,” she said.

“We don’t get the opportunities that people in cities do.

“We don’t have a recruitment centre around the corner.”

Petty Officer Corbin said it is great coming to regional areas.

“People don’t always realise what the Defence Force is about and kids out here don’t get the same opportunities as city people,” he said.

“There are so many girls joining these days as well.

“Over 40 per cent of recruits are females.”

Flight Lieutenant McGibbon said the visit was about making these opportunities available for young people.

“This is offering them a stable career with lots of opportunities down the track,” she said.

“It gives them ideas they may not have thought about.”