Mishall RehmanAfter a positive first year of the newly minted Naval Experience Program, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) is embarking on the second year of this initiative aimed at attracting, recruiting and training new sailors.
The program reached the end of its first year this June, after enrolling more than 179 Canadians.
“The hard work and dedication of the Royal Canadian Navy personnel who designed, implemented, and continue to lead the Naval Experience Programme has been reflected in the positive feedback of NEP sailors, the surpassing of our initial recruitment goal, and the valuable life experiences the programme has offered these NEP sailors who, just a short year ago, were civilians looking for a new adventure.
“We hope the honest feedback of NEP sailors who have decided to join our fleets, other elements of the Canadian Armed Forces, or even leave the Navy and return to their civilian lives will inspire other Canadians to give the programme a try,” said RAdm. Christopher Robinson, RCN Assistant Chief of Naval Staff, Personnel and Training.
Surpassing Goals
Launched on March 31, 2023, the program was designed to bolster the RCN by offering Canadians a chance to join the Navy for a one-year contract. These recruits were allowed to try out a variety of different trades before making a final decision on a career in the RCN.
As part of the program, recruits were given hands-on experience such as deploying on HMC Ships while on international operations and exercises, supporting naval occupational training onboard RCN vessels and participating in RCN ceremonial events, said DND.
According to the Department of National Defence, the goal was to enrol 144 participants. This number was surpassedwith the enrolment of 179 individuals.
Additionally, DND says more than 500 applicants remain in the recruiting process.
According to data released by DND, 74 per cent of the inaugural cohort of NEP participants have opted to stay in the Canadian Armed Forces after one year in the program. More comprehensive data analysis will be released in the coming months.
“Encouraged by these findings, the RCN will continue enrolling sailors in the program to address personnel shortages within regular force navy non-commissioned member occupations,” stated a press release by DND.
Common Trades
Data shows that the most common naval occupations requested by the sailors in the program included:
- Weapons Engineering Technician,
- Naval Electronic Sensor Operator,
- Naval Combat Information Operator and
- Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR) Operator.
Recruits were also interested in Marine Technician and Boatswain occupations.
Out of the initial recruits, 23 have already completed the program, three of whom are transferring to the Regular Force, and the remaining are transferring to different branches of the CAF.
Photo by: Corporal Alisa Strelley, Canadian Armed Forces Photo.
Recognizing Challenges
DND recognized certain challenges with the program. For example, there were certain concerns over the delay the program could create for current members awaiting career training and qualifications.
The Navy says it is taking lessons from the first year to adjust the program. Some of the changes expected in the second year include “continuous enrollment of applicants into the program; streamlining the occupational selection process to potentially include trades belonging to other operational environments; and further exploration of naval experiences which will offer the most value to both NEP sailors and non-NEP sailors awaiting training.”
Those looking to learn more about the NEP can reach out their nearest Naval Reserve Division, or Canadian Forces Recruiting Centre or start an application online here.
