On Tuesday 17 February, the VET Business class visited Thales Bendigo to see how their classroom learning about Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) applies in a real industrial environment. 

Thales, well-known for producing the Bushmaster and Hawkei defence vehicles, welcomed our students for an engaging and insightful tour of the facility.

During the visit, students observed a range of key WHS practices in action, including safety signage, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and the digital systems used to monitor and support safe work processes. Seeing these elements functioning in a high‑risk, highly-regulated environment helped students connect theory to practice in meaningful ways.

Students were particularly impressed by the sheer size of the Bendigo site, the scale of production, and the precision involved in building vehicles used around the world. Many commented on how seeing a large manufacturing operation up close deepened their understanding of workplace expectations, safety responsibilities, and industry standards.

It was a valuable experience that enriched their VET Business studies and expanded their awareness of career pathways in manufacturing and defence industries. We thank Thales Bendigo for their hospitality and the opportunity to learn from real professionals in the field.