“Don’t discount an opportunity, because it’s not what you plan to do”.

Since starting as Cadet Mechanical Engineer in 1985, Wendy has pivoted many times throughout her career – learning a thing or two about how deviating from one path can lead you right back to the road you always wanted to be on.

Now Throughlife Support Director for the Hunter Class Frigate Program, she talks us through the role the Support Systems team plays – essentially bringing the ship alive.

Growing up wanting to build houses, and now working on Australia's largest ever surface ship project, Ed hasn't had your typical career path.

Ed's involvement with the Hunter Class Frigate Program is a unique, 'from the keel up' story – beginning on the other side of the world, way back in 2016.

Now Marine Systems Engineering Manager, Ed is responsible for the system design for the HVAC system, the electrical system, and the main power and propulsion systems, for one of the most advanced anti-submarine warships in the world.

Describing her current job as being the "glue" within the Engineering function of the Hunter Class Frigate Program, Sonja has not had a linear career path.

Beginning her career in contemporary dance choreography, Sonja draws a lot of parallels between communicating issues through dance and communicating bewteen different Engineering disciplines.

For Sonja, 'why' has been a big driver in her career — and her 'why' is to help protect the people of Australia, and help people in times of need.