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 [email protected]

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

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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. 🙌

Welcome to our podcast episode dedicated to exploring the Australian Defence Force (ADF) Gap Year Program. In this episode, we dive into the details of this unique opportunity for young individuals seeking to gain valuable experience. Our guest today is SGT Alexander Smith, Military Recruiter and Cavalry Commander who will provide us with insights into the application process, available roles, travel experiences, misconceptions, and advice for potential applicants.

Key Highlights:

• Introduction to ADF GAP Year:
  Alex shares his role at the ADF and introduces us to the ADF Gap Year program, highlighting its distinctive features and the benefits it offers to participants.
• Application and Selection Process:
  Learn about the application and selection process for the ADF Gap Year, including the criteria considered and unique aspects applicants should be aware of.
• Roles and Specialisations:
  Explore the various roles and specialisations available within the ADF Gap Year program and how participants can tailor their experience to match their interests and career goals.
• Travel and $$$:
  Discover the exciting travel opportunities and experiences offered as part of the ADF Gap Year program, along with details about the unique aspect of the program where participants are paid for their experience!
• Advice to Potential Applicants:
  Gain valuable advice from Alex for students considering applying for the ADF Gap Year, including insights to help them make informed decisions and make the most of their experience.

Below are some useful links if you are interested or just curious about an ADF Gap Year experience. Stay tuned for more episodes where we continue to delve into various ADF Gap year opportunities where we will hear from participants from the Army, Navy and Airforce GAP year programs. 

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

NAVY GAP-YEAR: https://navy.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

ARMY GAP-YEAR: https://army.adfcareers.gov.au/students-and-education/gap-year

AIR FORCE GAP-YEAR: https://airfo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 this episode join us for an intimate conversation with Kayla Evans, where we explore the human side of her remarkable career journey. We dive deep into her past, her triumphs, challenges, and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way.

What to Expect:

Childhood Visions and First Jobs: Kayla reveals her early visions of the future, her first job experiences, and the pivotal moments that shaped her perspective on work and life.

Embracing Mistakes and Challenges: Listen as Kayla shares a candid story of a workplace mishap. Discover the lessons learned and how she navigated through adversity.

Finding Joy and Personal Values: Explore the sources of joy in Kayla's daily life and the values that guide her both personally and professionally. Learn how she incorporates these values into her career choices and decisions.

Navigating Unfamiliar Waters: Kayla opens up about a time when she felt out of her depth, offering insights into overcoming self-doubt and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Proud Moments and Career Genie Wishes: Hear about Kayla's proudest achievements and her dreams if there were no limitations. Discover the passion that fuels her aspirations and the impact she envisions making on the world.

Career Advice to Teenage Self: Kayla reflects on her journey and imparts valuable advice to her teenage self, sharing wisdom that resonates with young listeners embarking on their own career paths.

Join us for this insightful episode as we uncover the personal journey of Kayla Evans. Whether you're a student, parent or educator, this episode reminds us that our careers are essential components of our unique life journeys.

Career resources discussed in the episode:
AgCareerStart Gap Year program:  https://agcareerstart.com.au/
> Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agcareerstart/
Generation Ag (Podcast): https://www.generationag.com.au/
> Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generation.ag/
Career Harvest: https://www.careerharvest.com.au/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 this episode of the Gen Z Career PlayBook, we venture into the heart of the agricultural industry with our special guest, Kayla Evans, Project Manager at the National Farmers' Federation. 

Exploring the Agricultural Landscape: Get an insider's look into the diverse sectors that make up the agriculture industry, gaining a deeper understanding of its vast opportunities and essential roles.

Generation Ag Podcast Insights: Discover the story behind Kayla's co-creation of the Generation Ag podcast, where she shares inspiring narratives of young professionals in agriculture. Learn about the valuable lessons learned from these conversations.

Empowering Future Leaders: Kayla discusses the various paths available to students in agriculture, highlighting key skills and qualities necessary for success. Whether you're considering a career in farming or simply curious about this vital industry, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.

Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights into the agriculture industry, debunk common misconceptions, and be inspired by the incredible impact young people are making in agriculture.

Career resources discussed in the episode:
AgCareerStart Gap Year program:  https://agcareerstart.com.au/
> Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agcareerstart/
Generation Ag (Podcast): https://www.generationag.com.au/
> Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/generation.ag/
Career Harvest: https://www.careerharvest.com.au/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 this episode of The Gen Z Career Playbook, we continue to discover the possibilities with Letz Live.  Letz Live, is a renowned gap year program that offers young people the opportunity to explore the globe through paid gap years and working holidays. Maddy Gordon,  from Letz Live, shares invaluable insights about this life-changing experience.

Key Takeaways:

Learn more about the UK Hospitality program.
The flexible nature of the program and all placements include accomodation with a range of roles available.

Stand Out Benefits: Hear about the outstanding benefits and outcomes resulting from Letz Live experiences. Maddy discusses the personal and professional growth participants undergo during their gap year.

Exclusive Insights: Maddy shares personal experiences with Letz Live, giving you a firsthand account of the impact this program can have. Including the chance to travel and have a lot of 'fun!'  Maddy highlights how the experience can open up a world of opportunities for participants. 

How to Connect: Find out where students, parents, and career professionals can get more information and connect with Letz Live for a life-changing experience.

You can find more details about Letz Live here:
https://www.letzlive.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letz_live/
Or reach out directly to Maddy: [email protected]   

https://www.gov.uk/youth-mobility
We also discussed the UK VISA during our chat. Here is the link to find out more. Like Maddy said NZ is up to 35 but commencing January 31 2024 it will also extend to Australian residents.  

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 this episode of The Gen Z Career Playbook, we take you on a journey to learn more about Letz Live, a renowned gap year program that offers young people the opportunity to explore the globe through paid gap years and working holidays. Maddy Gordon,  from Letz Live, shares invaluable insights about this life-changing experience.

Behind the Scenes at Letz Live: Maddy gives us an insider's view of Letz Live, explaining the program’s origins and its mission to provide comprehensive gap year programs for post-secondary students.

Diverse Experiences: Learn about the diverse experiences Letz Live offers, from taking a break after school to immersing in a new city through a working holiday.

Application and Selection Process: Get a glimpse into the application and selection process for students and the steps involved in joining this transformative adventure.

Stand out Benefits: Hear about the support available to "Gappies."  Maddy discusses her experience as a previous gappie with Letz Live (working as a Gap Assistant in a UK School) and how valuable the support was for her.

From activity-filled roles in the UK's outdoor learning centers, to positions in the hospitality industry, get ready to discover the wide range of possibilities for your  gap year journey!

You can find more details about Letz Live here:
https://www.letzlive.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/letz_live/
Or reach out directly to Maddy: [email protected]    

And don't forget to tune in next week for Part 2 of our chat. 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 diving into the world of international volunteering, internships, and meaningful travel experiences with a conversation you won't want to miss! Our special guest, Will Pashley, from Projects Abroad, shares invaluable insights into this incredible organisation and the opportunities they provide.

Here's a sneak peek of what to expect:

A Legacy of 30 Years: Discover how Projects Abroad, the world's largest provider of international volunteering, internships, and travel experiences, has been making a global impact for over three decades and why it all began.

The Program Unveiled: Get a comprehensive look at how the Projects Abroad program operates, including what participants can expect to do and the profound impact they can make on the world.

Setting Projects Abroad Apart: Find out what sets Projects Abroad apart from other gap year programs and who can benefit the most from these life-changing experiences.

Impactful Outcomes: Discover the incredible benefits and outcomes experienced by students, and how these programs shape lives and create global citizens.

A Message for Parents and Educators: Will shares crucial information that parents, teachers, and career practitioners should know about how Projects Abroad provide both a safe and meaningful experience for students.

Projects Abroad is all about making global experiences easy, fun, and rewarding. Join us for this enlightening episode and learn how you or a young person you are supporting can unlock new skills, meet incredible people, make a real difference, and embark on the experience of a lifetime!

You can find more details about Project Abroad here:
 https://www.projects-abroad.com.au/ 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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 diving into an incredible opportunity that could kickstart your gap year adventure: AgCAREERSTART.  This Australian government initiative, delivered by the National Farmers Federation, offers a unique blend of paid work, training, and networking within the agriculture industry for young individuals aged 17-25.

 Here are some key highlights from today's episode:

1. Origins of AG Career Start: We learn when AgCAREERSTART begun and discovered the essential need that this program fulfills and why it's a game-changer for young adults.

3. Program Breakdown: Get a comprehensive look at how AgCAREERSTART operates, including what participants can expect to do, any associated costs, and the perks they'll receive.

4. Application and Selection Process: Our guest, Kayla Evans (Project Manager of AgCAREERSTART) takes us through the application and selection process for aspiring AgCAREERSTART participants.

5. Success Stories: Hear inspiring examples of students who embarked on this journey and what they've achieved since completing the program.

6. Suitability: Find out who might not be the ideal fit for AgCAREERSTART and what to consider before applying.

7. Outcomes and Benefits: Learn about the remarkable outcomes students can achieve, from gaining invaluable experience to developing new skills.

8. Final Thoughts: Our guest wraps up with essential insights and additional information that students, parents and schools should know about the AgCAREERSTART program.

This episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired and ready to seize your gap year with AgCAREERSTART!

2024 Applications close 15 October.

To find out more information and to apply go to:  https://agcareerstart.com.au/

Connect on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agcareerstart/ 

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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 [email protected]

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. 🙌