The Hon Stuart Robert MP
17 Sep 15
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The Hon Stuart Robert MP
Assistant Minister for Defence
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21 February 2015
Assistant Minister for Defence Stuart Robert this week announced the highly successful ADF Gap Year program will return for 2016, with applications opening on 2 March 2015.
Mr Robert, together with the Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, recently visited RAAF Base Wagga and the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka where they watched current ADF Gap Year members undertake their initial training.
“I am delighted to announce the ADF Gap Year program will return in 2016 with more places being made available in the Army and Air Force as well as places being made available in the Navy for the first time,” Mr Robert said.
“The expansion of the ADF Gap Year means more young Australians will be able to experience life in the ADF where they will gain important professional and life skills, all while being payed a salary and serving our great country.”
The 2016 program will have up to 445 places available, up from 260 in 2015. Of those places approximately 250 will be available in the Army, 120 in the Air Force, and for the first time up to 75 will be available in the Navy.
“The ADF Gap Year has proven to be very popular, with almost 4,000 young Australians having applied to participate in the 2015 program,” Mr Robert said.
The program provides a positive experience for young people who might be considering a career in the ADF but are uncertain about a long term commitment.
“It has also proven to be very popular with young women, who represent almost a quarter of all the current ADF Gap Year members.”
After completing their recruit training at RAAF Base Wagga or the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka participants will then undertake specific employment training before posting to units across the country.
Applications for the 2016 Gap Year program will open for two weeks from 2-15 March 2015.
Those interested in applying for the 2016 intake can do so by visiting www.defencejobs.gov.au, by phoning 13 19 01 or by visiting their local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.
Media note:
Imagery of Mr Robert’s visit to RAAF Base Wagga and the Army Recruit Training Centre, Kapooka is available at http://images.defence.gov.au/S20150362
Media contacts:
Richard Briedis (Minister Robert's Office) (02) 6277 7730 or 0477 391 174
Defence Media Operations (02) 6127 1999