Cadet Building a Sustainable Future

Luke Woods, proud First Nations Cadet working in sustainability. Is on the verge of completing his business degree while gaining hands-on experience with Queensland Health as part of his cadetship.

Luke’s path to sustainability wasn’t something he initially planned.

When I started uni, a lot of the coursework focused on sustainability.

The more I researched, the more I realised how closely it aligned with my values—being First Nations and passionate about the environment.

It also felt like a space where I could build a stable career, especially with the field growing and evolving so quickly.

After initially working in finance at Westpac during an internship, Luke discovered a deeper connection to sustainability through the experience.

Sustainability came up a lot during my time at Westpac, and that’s when I got really fascinated by it.

I thought I’d stick to finance, but I ended up changing my major to sustainability—and I’ve loved every minute of it.

Luke found out about the Cadetship Program through his university at just the right time.

My internship at Westpac was finishing up, and the cadetship seemed like a perfect way to continue gaining real-world experience while aligning with my degree and passions.

At Queensland Health, Luke has been working on a key project at La Trobe North aimed at boosting participation in sustainability across Metro North.

I’ve been putting together a participation report encouraging small sustainable changes, like using public transport for commutes and turning off lights to conserve energy.

It’s been rewarding to see the impact small efforts can make.

Luke’s cadetship has given him more than just practical skills—it’s also opened the door to invaluable networking opportunities.

I’ve made so many connections across Metro North through this role, and attending showcases has been a fantastic way to meet people in the field.

After living away from his family for the past seven years, Luke says his experience has only confirmed that sustainability is the space where he belongs.

I can see myself working in this field for the rest of my life. The work is always interesting, and every new experience makes me more intrigued.

Looking ahead, Luke is preparing to move to Sydney next year to begin a graduate position. Reflecting on his journey, he credits the cadetship with helping him finish university and land the new role.

The cadetship gave me the experience and support I needed to get to this point.

His advice to anyone considering a cadetship is simple:

Take the opportunity. You should never say no to a great opportunity because you never know where it will take you.