Over the past few months, SIMS has had the joy of hosting not one, but two Year 10 Work Experience groups—our largest cohorts to date. It’s been a milestone season for a program we’ve been steadily growing and refining year after year, and one that reflects our expanding capacity to welcome more young people into the world of marine science.

In 2024, we ran a single placement for seven students from across Australia’s east coast. This year, we doubled that impact. Eight students joined us for the first intake, followed by another eight in the second, each spending a full week immersed in hands-on marine research and conservation alongside our staff and partners.

What makes this program special isn’t just the scale—it’s the depth of the experience. Across both weeks, students stepped directly into the rhythm of life at SIMS. They spent time in our aquarium learning the ins and outs of system maintenance, took the helm of an underwater ROV, explored the science behind urban marine innovation through Living Seawalls, and rolled up their sleeves for a guided fish dissection. They even wrapped their week with an underwater photography workshop. Between sessions in the lab, field and classroom, they were able to connect with researchers who shared their own career journeys and the questions that drive their work.

For many participants, this was their first glimpse of what a real pathway into marine conservation and research looks like. It’s hands-on. It’s collaborative. It’s full of discovery. And it opens doors they may not have realised were possible.

What stood out to us throughout both intakes was the energy these students brought into the labs, dive sheds, and classrooms. Their curiosity and willingness to dive headfirst into every activity reminded us why programs like this matter so much. Looking after our oceans isn’t only about restoring habitats today—it’s also about creating space for the next generation of ocean changemakers to find their place in this work.

We’re incredibly proud of how far this initiative has come, and proud of the SIMS team—our researchers, educators, partners and support staff—whose generosity, enthusiasm and expertise shaped a memorable week for every student who joined us.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue expanding these opportunities. More students, more hands-on science, and more chances to help young people connect with the research that’s shaping the future of Australia’s marine environments.

Here’s to the next cohort—and to the young ocean leaders already on their way.