Female students attend NZ’s army camp for training

The camp’s goal is to instil in young women the confidence and interest they need to pursue jobs in the marine sector in the STEM fields.

Hiring a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents all New Zealanders is crucial for the Chief of Navy, Rear Admiral David Proctor.

“I’m thrilled that 27.5 per cent of women are now serving in our Navy, and that number is rising. Nevertheless, much work must be done to convince women to pursue an exciting career path with us. Rear Admiral Proctor stated that School to Seas “definitely illustrates the diversity of the Navy’s career choices.

Students in years 12 and 13 gain practical experience with equipment, robotics, and electronics, design and carry out a simple naval navigation exercise, use a bridge simulator, and build their leadership and resiliency through specialized seminars led by women in leadership.

Less than 30% of women work in STEM fields in New Zealand, according to Lieutenant Commander Emily Kutarski, project lead for School to Seas.

“In New Zealand, female students abandon their studies in math and science at a rate that is far higher than that of their male colleagues. That rate is substantially higher if they also happen to be Mori or Pasifika. She said that we need to recruit young women to maintain and increase our numbers in the Navy and the more significant marine industry due to the long-term shortages of STEM workers worldwide.

To demonstrate to the students how the subjects they are currently studying in school may be practically applied to employment in the RNZN and the more significant maritime industry, they are offered hands-on learning experiences in various STEM related sectors within the marine sector throughout the camp.

The camp aims to dispel prejudices and hurdles that might discourage women from joining the Navy while also introducing what life is like on board one of our Navy ships. Many of our young military members who are currently in their shoes, trying to decide what to do after school, will be introduced to the participants, according to Lieutenant Commander Kutarski.

The School to Seas camp occurs at Devonport Naval Base from April 10–17, 2023. Due to COVID-19 limitations, this is the first time the curriculum has been offered since 2020.