“That experience sparked something in me and made me want to be a part of it,” she says.
Mariann applied to join the RAAF and got through most of the process, but put those plans on hold because of family commitments. Years later, she decided it was time to follow her passion and joined DIPP as a mature-age trainee.
“Being a mature-age apprentice, and previously a trainee, has also given me the opportunity to show others that age should not be a barrier to following a dream,” she says.
Mariann finished DIPP in July 2026 and is now doing a Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship that specialises in machining.
Discovering a passion through DIPP
DIPP is a 12-month traineeship that gives participants practical experience, training and exposure to South Australia’s defence industry. Mariann’s training combined PEER and TAFE, and her host employers included Mitcham and ToolCraft.
“I saw it as an opportunity to open doors into different areas of the defence industry and discover where I could see myself building a future,” she says. “One of the biggest impacts the DIPP program has had on me is helping me discover where my passion lies.”
She enjoyed the theory and practical work at TAFE, especially engineering measurements. Using those skills on a real job was harder, with “bigger tolerances and different tools.” The guidance of the people training her, and being able to ask questions, gave her the confidence to keep growing.
She is also known for taking initiative. “If things are quiet, I do not like standing around waiting to be told what to do. I will grab a broom, tidy the work area, or ask others if they need help.”
The next step: an apprenticeship
Seeing others in her intake find jobs and move on to new opportunities motivated her. After finishing DIPP, Mariann moved into the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways (SEP) program. She is now placed with Supashock and completing her Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship.
“Thanks to the DIPP program I found my passion here,” she says.
A cheerleader, on and off the mat
Mariann is an adult competitive cheerleader who encourages others, celebrates their successes and brings positivity to those around her.
Outside work, she volunteers at club events and has supported Cancer Council South Australia, the World’s Greatest Shave and Camp Quality.
Looking ahead
Mariann’s message to others is simple: “Sometimes the biggest thing holding you back can be your own doubts, so I want to encourage others to have confidence and give things a go.”
“It has given me a pathway forward, and I am excited to continue developing my skills, growing in confidence, and working towards a career within the defence industry.”