Student Testimonials

The SA Defence Industry Scholarships Program has launched the careers of many South Australian students who have been through the program.
Many students have even gained employment with their host company once they had completed their industry placement as part of the program.
Provided here are testimonials from students who have completed their scholarship supported industry placement and who provided feedback on their experiences and time learning in South Australia’s defence industry.

The overall experience was excellent, I was able to focus 100% on my thesis knowing I was going to have placement in second semester and knew I wasn’t going to have any trouble getting work placement. During COVID-19, knowing I had a team working hard to find me work placement was a huge weight off my shoulders. The support given by APC Technology allowed me to get comfortable quickly and begin working feeling like a real engineer.
In general, it was a good experience full of challenges and learning experiences.
I was able to work on things on my own, and had a hand in all parts of the design process. This has meant I have developed my skills faster than if I was given only parts of the task to do. The [work] environment is also very relaxed.
My experience was eye-opening, I have learnt many new things which expanded my knowledge base. I have also been offered a position which shows positive feedback to my performance on the placement.
It was a great opportunity to adapt and learn in a new environment and enhance learnings through a well-defined project.
Aurecon was an amazing host – I learnt so many useful skills and the experience boosted my professional growth tremendously… Extremely grateful and feeling very lucky to be part of this experience.
The experiences I had during my internship at Dematec Automation were extremely valuable. It has provided me with much experience into the real world of engineering outside of university. Dematec gave me the opportunity to work on two very interesting defence industry projects, and I thoroughly enjoyed working with the robots. Following this internship, it has inspired me to further strive to develop a career in robotics and to look for the opportunities that the defence industry has to offer.
I was able to learn and experience working in a male-dominated field and being the only woman in the CAE Department of Supashock Advanced Technologies, I have gained confidence in dealing with Engineers without being spoon-fed just because I was a woman. There is a common ground for all individuals to establish their own career without prejudice and gender-biased treatment. I also appreciate the positive feedback from colleagues and the CEO himself for all the tasks that I have undertaken and completed. It boosted my confidence knowing that the highest person in the company knows everyone in the company and acknowledges his/ her accomplishments personally.
I enjoyed gaining real-world experience, utilising my skills and knowledge that I gained at university. Some of my co-workers had engineering backgrounds, so my supervisor recognised the benefits my background could be used for in business development and strategy.