Hunter students learn about defence careers at Tech Expo

Future focused: All Saints College student Claudia Prebble with a Vex Robot, talking to aircraft technician Wilson Munoz and electronics technician Luke Porter. She takes STEM as an elective and her class will focus on rockets next term. Picture: Simone De Peak

HUNTER students have gained hands-on access to high-tech defence equipment including an F-35 ejector seat, helicopter engine, drones, radio transmission equipment, robots and virtual reality headsets at a unique event.

RDA Hunter held its second annual Tech Expo at Fighter World on Wednesday, which allowed 320 students from 15 Hunter high schools the chance to learn more about defence industry career and education pathways and the region's technical capabilities.

The students were split into groups of 10 to visit 12 organisations' and companies' exhibits.

All Saints College Maitland year 10 student Claudia Prebble, 15, said she wanted to attend because she hoped to become an aeronautical or electrical engineer - and was now considering joining the defence force.

"I'm interested in and quite good at maths, and I do STEM as an elective," she said.

"I'm 100 per cent sure of doing engineering, physics and extension one maths next year."

She said she enjoyed learning more about coding and a Boeing Defence Australia machine that uses "ultraviolet light so you can see what's wrong with an engine" at the event.

"It's a really good experience and you just find a deeper meaning," she said.

"It's a little easier to understand when it's right in front of you and you're not learning through notes."

Glendale Technology High year 11 student Austin Brailey, 16, said he'd grown up admiring relatives who'd served in the army and was considering joining, but was now also interested in aerospace engineering. "I wanted to come and learn more about it."

He said he enjoyed finding out about TAFE NSW's drone course and being strapped into Martin-Baker Australia's F-35 ejector seat. The company's seats have saved 7641 lives.

Mount View High year 10 student Noah Fairfull, 15, said he was interested in engineering and the event "is helping me figure out what is best for me".

"I'm now more set on engineering and don't want to change."

He said he enjoyed BAE Systems' virtual reality headset, which allows users to visit a F-35 hangar and cockpit.