Delivering and maintaining major defence equipment requires a range of skills and qualifications. It is estimated that around 3,000 to 5,000 additional engineers, specialist technicians, key trades people and project managers will be required by defence industry over the next decade to provide the skills necessary to build and maintain Australia ’s major defence platforms. Defence and defence industry alike have an interest in, and responsibility for, developing these skills.
Commencing in the 05/06 financial year, the government is investing up to 0.5% ($215 million over ten years or over $20 million each year on average) of the money spent on major defence capital equipment projects on an incentive program that encourages the improvement of both the quality and quantity of skills training in defence industry.
Initially the Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry (SADI) Program has focused on entering into arrangements with the larger companies in the defence sector that hold major contracts with Defence for either acquisition of new capability or support of existing capability. The Industry Division of the Defence Materiel Organisation is working with current contractors and potential tenderers for major capital equipment and support projects. These companies are being asked to commit to the creation of new skilled positions and the retraining and up-skilling of existing positions in areas where shortages have been identified.
The larger companies are encouraged to provide places/opportunities for the Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) with whom they contract, in the programs for which they receive SADI funds. SMEs are also encouraged to work with their larger industry partners to ensure that these opportunities are not lost. Where SMEs are subject to critical skills shortages and/or have a niche strategic capability, consideration is given to establishing direct agreements.
A defence industry that has invested in growing its skilled workforce demonstrates a real commitment to future industrial capability. Project risks will be further reduced and Australian defence industry will continue to be globally competitive.
The SADI initiative shares the responsibility for skills growth and development between industry and government and represents a win - win solution to both the defence of Australia and Australian Industry.
CONTACTS
Director Skilling Australia ’s Defence Industry
Mrs Robyn Wall
(02) 6265 1812
E-mail: IndustryDiv.SADIProgram@defence.gov.au |
