In today's episode, we're joined by Abbey Harford, a recent graduate who embarked on an exciting Gap year experience. Abbey, a 19-year-old from Melbourne, shares her journey of joining the Royal Australian Navy through the ADF GAP Year program.

1. Introduction and Overview:
- Discover her motivations for applying and the emotions involved in leaving her familiar environment for this new adventure.

2. Challenges and Growth:
- Abbey reflects on the challenges she faced during her Navy GAP Year and discusses how she overcame them.
- Gain insights into her personal growth and development throughout the program.

3. Memorable Experiences:
- Abbey shares one or two standout moments from her time in the Royal Australian Navy GAP Year that left a lasting impression on her.

4. Insights into Application Process:
- Learn more about the application and recruitment process for the Royal Australian Navy GAP Year from Abbey's perspective.
- Discover the key steps involved and any surprises or challenges encountered along the way.

5. Future Considerations:
- Considering her positive experience, Abbey discusses her thoughts on potentially returning to a career with the ADF or the Royal Australian Navy in the future.

6. Family Reactions and Support:
- Abbey reflects on her family's initial reactions to her decision to participate in the Navy GAP Year and how their opinions evolved over time.

7. Current Reflection:
- Abbey shares her biggest takeaways from the experience in terms of skill and personal development.
- Hear her thoughts on transitioning to tertiary studies and the impact her Navy Gap Year had on her personal and professional perspectives.

8. Advice to Others:
- Abbey offers advice to students considering applying for the ADF GAP Year, especially those who may be hesitant or unsure about taking this path.

Below are some useful links if you are interested or just curious about an ADF Gap Year experience.

If you are interested in other services ensure you listen to previous episodes where we spoke with participants in the Army and Airforce services.

ADF GAP-YEAR: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

NAVY GAP-YEAR: h

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Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email hello@bucareers.academy

Let me know if you'd like one that's even shorter for mobile or a slightly more conversational version for teen-heavy episodes.

Let's Connect
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok.

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly HERE. 🙌

In today's episode, we continue our exploration of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program, this time focusing on Carmen's experience in the Australian Army.

This episode we speak with Carmen Stock, a 19-year-old Driver Specialist from Ballina, NSW. Carmen shares her journey from participating in the Australian Army Gap Year Program to her experiences in basic training and beyond.

Key Highlights

1. Applying and Basic Training:
   • Carmen discusses her motivations for applying to the Australian Army Gap Year program and shares insights into her basic training experience at Kapooka. She reflects on standout moments and lessons learned during this initial training phase.
2. Specialisation as a Driver Specialist:
   • Carmen explains how she decided to become a Driver Specialist and describes the training process to acquire the necessary skills for this role. She shares her perspective on the qualities that make someone well-suited for a role like hers in the Army.
3. Postings and Daily Life:
   • Carmen provides insights into her experience and daily life at Lavarack Barracks in Townsville since being posted there. She sheds light on the responsibilities and activities of a Driver Specialist in the Army.
4. Extension and Future Plans:
   • Carmen talks about her decision to extend her commitment beyond the initial Gap Year and shares her future plans within the Australian Army.
5. Insights into Application Process:
   • Carmen shares details about the application and recruitment process for the Australian Army Gap Year, particularly as someone who chose to become a Driver Specialist. She discusses any unexpected aspects or challenges encountered during this process.
6. Family Reactions and Support:
   • Carmen reflects on her family's reaction when she enlisted in the Army Gap Year and discusses how their support has influenced her experience.
7. Current Reflection:
   • Carmen reflects on her Gap Year journey and its impact on her future plans. She discusses the biggest takeaways in terms of skills and personal development.
8. Advice to Others:
   • Carmen offers advice to students considering applying for the ADF Gap Year, especially those interested in roles within the Australian Army. She highlights specific qualities or considerations they should keep in mind

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Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email hello@bucareers.academy

Let me know if you'd like one that's even shorter for mobile or a slightly more conversational version for teen-heavy episodes.

Let's Connect
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok.

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly HERE. 🙌

In today's episode, we're joined by Olivia Mulvany, a recent graduate who embarked on an exciting journey with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program in the Airforce.

Olivia shares her story, from graduating high school in Adelaide to enlisting in the ADF Gap Year Program and transitioning into a permanent role as an Aviation Support Technician with the Royal Australian Air Force.

Key Highlights

1. Choosing a Role :
   • Olivia discusses her motivations for participating in the ADF Gap Year Program and specifically choosing the Royal Australian Air Force. She shares her insights into the Aviation Support Technical role.
2. Insights into Application Process:
   • Olivia provides details about the application and recruitment process for the ADF Gap Year.
3. Travel and Experiences:
   • Olivia recounts her travels to various locations during her ADF Gap Year, including Sydney, Canberra, Fiji, and NT. She shares memorable experiences and highlights from her time in different locations.
4. Transition to Permanent Service:
   • Olivia reflects on her decision to transition into a permanent role as an ARMTECH with the Royal Australian Air Force. She discusses the factors and experiences that influenced her decision and the skills she gained during her Gap Year.
5. Family Reactions and Opinions:
   • Olivia shares how her family reacted to her decision to participate in the Air Force Gap Year and how their views on her military career have evolved over time.
6. Current Reflection:
   • Olivia reflects on her personal and skill development during her ADF Gap Year and the lasting impressions it has left on her as she moves forward in her permanent role with the Air Force.
7. Advice to Others:
   • Olivia offers advice to students contemplating applying for the ADF Gap Year, especially those interested in roles within the Royal Australian Air Force, based on her own experiences and insights.

Whether you are interested in the ADF or not Olivia's positive attitude and approach can serve as a great lesson. Her story serves as a testament to the opportunities and growth that await those who choose to take on new challenges and opportunities when they present or in Olivia's case to create those opportunities in the first place!

Don't forget to tune in to the next episode as we contin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hi, I'm Nadia – Career Practitioner, Educator and Founder of B U Careers Academy.
It’s my mission to simplify career advice and help make decision-making a more positive, enjoyable experience for young people.
Got feedback or a guest idea? I’d love to hear from you, email hello@bucareers.academy

Let me know if you'd like one that's even shorter for mobile or a slightly more conversational version for teen-heavy episodes.

Let's Connect
Follow me on YouTube for tips, updates and career insights or to connect on socials, you can find me on; Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook or TikTok.

For more information about my Career programs for both schools and individuals and or private counselling, go to: https://bucareers.academy/.

🙋🏽 Want more career tips and tools? 🙋🏼‍♀️
Join the free quarterly newsletter for practical advice, updates and resources that support young people and their families.

Join the Career PlayBook Quarterly HERE. 🙌