Stepping Up into the Defence Force: Christian’s Story

Amber Griffin

In 2024, Lurnea High School referred Christian, then aged 16 and in Year 11, to PCYC’s youth employability program Stepping Up in Western Sydney. Christian sought support to identify a career pathway aligned with his interests and aspirations and got to work with skill development and career mapping with Stepping Up Trainers.

Through the program, Christian explored a range of employment options and identified the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as his preferred pathway, a goal he shared with his father. With support from PCYC mentors, he progressed through the ADF application process.

During this time, Christian faced challenges associated with the requirements of his preferred role. While navigating these obstacles, PCYC supported him into a warehousing traineeship to earn an income and support his family.

Although the pathway took longer than expected, Christian remained focused.

Ongoing guidance and encouragement from his mentors supported Christian to achieve his goal, and this year, Christian was offered a position in the Royal Australian Navy as a Small Arms Specialist.

“PCYC helped me get into the Navy, I feel very proud of my current employment and where I am right now, and my favourite thing about my new job is learning something new every day,” said Christian.

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Stepping Up into the Defence Force: Christian’s Story

Amber Griffin

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