2024 Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for 2024 voyage dates in STS Young Endeavour!

Throughout 2024, STS Young Endeavour will circumnavigate Australia for the final time before the youth development program is transferred to a new, larger, state-of-the-art vessel, currently under construction.

The 2024 youth development voyages will sail to ports in Hobart, Geelong, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Cairns, Thursday Island, Darwin, Broome, Exmouth, Fremantle, Esperance and Adelaide.

Since 1988, more than 14,000 young Australians aged between 16-23 years have sailed in STS Young Endeavour, taking part in a unique youth development experience that helps participants develop self-awareness and confidence, and gives them an opportunity to grow their teamwork and leadership skills through sail training and self-development activities.

24 youth join each voyage, from all parts of Australia and all walks of life. Together they learn the skills to sail a tall ship – including taking the helm, handling lines, keeping watch, navigating, and climbing the 30-metre mast. No sailing experience is required, only a willingness to join the crew and learn along the way.

If you’ve already applied for a youth development voyage previously, login to your dashboard to update your voyage preferences, or check out the website for information on destinations, dates, fees and eligibility.

Applications should be made by 28 September 2023 to be eligible for main round offers.

Apply now for your chance to set sail on the voyage of a lifetime in Young Endeavour!

AUTHOR: Young Endeavour Youth Scheme

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Events

10 March 2024

Government House Open Day Young Endeavour representatives – Saturday 16 March

⚓Ahoy team! Young Endeavour representatives will be at the Government House Open Day on Saturday 16 March 2024 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Folks in Canberra on the day can come along and ask the team all the burning questions you might have! Applications for 2024 voyages remain open to youth aged between 16-23 who are looking for a life-changing adventure. A voyage on STS Young Endeavour is a unique opportunity for youth to develop teamwork and leadership skills through an internationally recognised youth development program. Check out our website to apply. ➡️https://youngendeavour.gov.au/

News

26 February 2024

Join Our Team – Marketing Manager

Young Endeavour Youth SchemeMarketing and Communication Manager Looking for a new career opportunity? We are currently seeking an experienced and dynamic Marketing and Communication Manager to join our team.Reporting to the Executive Director, you will join an integrated APS/ADF team and be responsible for delivering brand, customer and engagement outcomes, as well as contributing to program expansion over the forward two years.You will design and implement strategies and campaigns that build awareness, enhance participant and stakeholder experiences, generate inspiring content for traditional and digital platforms, and promote opportunities for young Australians to participate in our youth development program.This is an opportunity to take a leadership role in a small team and apply your considerable skills and expertise to managing marketing, communication and engagement activities for a separately branded entity within Defence.The role is based at Garden Island NSW with access to flexible arrangements around office work and some travel, including sailing in STS Young Endeavour.For more information and to submit an application, visit Defence Careers.Applications close 10 March 2024. FIND OUT MORE https://youtu.be/-kHnxevFrmI

07 February 2024

STS Young Endeavour Sydney to Hobart 2023/24

On Boxing Day 2023, the 79th Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race commenced with STS Young Endeavour dutifully following the fleet of competitors down to Hobart as a Radio Relay Vessel. Young Endeavour has played a supporting role in the race biennially since 1993, and 2023 was no exception. Acting as a Radio Relay and Safety Vessel to help the vessels competing in the race report their positions whilst transiting through low-signal areas like the Bass Strait and far offshore in the Tasman Sea. To ensure communications remain clear at all times, radio relay ships are placed near the front and rear of the competitor pack to monitor race communications and retransmit signals when required. This ensures that the race is monitored at all times, so officials and fans can follow all the action and, that any emergencies will be heard and responded to in good time. Young Endeavour departed HMAS Waterhen in the morning of 26 December and took up prime viewing position in the Harbour in vicinity of North Head. After witnessing the commencement of the race at 1300, sails were set and the ship followed the fleet from Sydney Harbour and proceeded south, aiming to remain around the back third of the dispersed racers. For the five-day voyage Young Endeavour welcomed ‘Returnee’ crew (former Youth Crew who have participated in a voyage in the past) to assist in our transit south. Unfortunately, for the Returnee crew, the swell was unforgiving and many spent half the voyage battling seasickness. However, through 40-knot winds and 4-metre southerly swells, the Young Endeavour pushed on, with Returnees working lines to set and furl sails. LSCIS-C Sara Turnbull described the experience “It was awesome, being among a fleet of sailors and yachts fearlessly setting sail in truly awful conditions really inspired me. I have a lot of respect for the mariners who continue to race year after year.” After persevering through the arduous conditions, in the early hours of the morning of 31 December, Young Endeavour was able to tack to the west, rounding Tasman Island and finally placing the wind on our beam. Once we were able to use our fore and aft sails with effect, it was a quick trip up Storm Bay into the sheltered safety of the Derwent River. Once alongside Hobart on New Year’s Eve, the crew of the Young Endeavour gave a fond farewell to the Returnee crew and joined in the post-race celebrations. With Commanding Officer LCDR Libby Newman accepting a Meritorious Service Recognition on behalf of the ship, for Young Endeavour’s “generous, professional and enduring contribution to the race”. With all the official duties done, the crew were then free to enjoy the New Year’s Eve festivities in the beautiful Salamanca Place and Tasmania’s Taste of Summer festival.

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