After nearly two decades working in retail, Alanna Boyd knew she was ready for a change.
Having started at Coles at just 15 and progressed to Department Manager, Alanna had built a strong career. But over time, she realised she had reached a point where she wanted more opportunity, more growth and a career path that felt sustainable long term.
The Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) gave her a practical way forward.
This program allowed Alanna to earn while learning, gain hands-on experience and explore a completely new industry without needing to follow a traditional university pathway.
Alanna entered the program with no background in defence but quickly discovered how many doors the industry could open. Through her traineeship, she gained exposure to different business areas and career pathways, from cyber and procurement through to engineering. This helped her understand the broader defence sector and where her own skills could fit.
One of the biggest realisations for Alanna was that the skills she had developed in retail were highly transferable. Her experience communicating with different people, staying calm under pressure, working across teams and building trust helped her adapt to a corporate defence environment.
Through the program, Alanna found a strong interest in human resources and recruitment, particularly during her time with Babcock. It gave her a clear sense of direction and helped her see a long-term future in the defence sector.
The traineeship was not without challenges. Alanna had to manage a pay cut, continue some part-time work and adjust to subjects that did not come naturally, including CAD. But by asking questions, seeking support and continuing to show up, she built confidence, resilience and a stronger belief in her own capability.
Alanna has also become a PEER Ambassador, representing the Defence Industry Pathways Program at career expos, public speaking opportunities and through everyday conversations. She enjoys sharing her story with others who may be unsure about their next step, particularly those considering a career change.
For Alanna, the message is simple: changing careers is possible at any age, and your existing skills may be more valuable than you think.
The Defence Industry Pathways Program gave her the opportunity to step into a new industry, build confidence and find a career direction she had not previously imagined.
For anyone considering a new pathway, Alanna’s story shows that you do not need to have all the answers before you start. You just need to be willing to take the first step.
Ready to launch your career in defence? Visit Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) | PEER
