Skilled resources in the Australian defence industry sector are critical to supporting the ADF

The role of the Industry Skilling Directorate (ISD) in Industry Division is to influence and initiate the development of skilled resources in the Australian defence industry sector. This role directly supports the broad strategic aim of Industry Division to ensure the ADF is well supported by a strong and commercially viable defence industry sector.

In March this year government released the Defence and Industry Policy Statement (DIPS) which ‘makes clear how a partnership between Defence and Industry will determine Australia's priority industry capabilities, the expectations of industry and the operating environment to be shaped’. Supporting the development of skills is one of the means by which industry can develop and sustain the capabilities the ADF requires.

A significant recommendation of the DIPS was to establish a Defence and Industry Joint Training Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF explores opportunities for pooled and joint apprenticeships, and graduate training, where there is significant overlap between defence industry and ADO skill requirements.

With Head of Industry Division Kerry Clarke in the Chair, the JTTF members, comprising representatives from a cross section of industry; industry bodies; the Navy, Army and Air Force; the Department of Education, Science and Training; and Defence, met regularly between May and August.

A report containing the Task Force recommendations was approved and members of the ISD team have commenced work on the preliminary implementation plans for a number of the recommendations. The JTTF met in November to determine how to take the recommendations forward.

The Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry (SADI) remains as a key means of achieving this aim. According to ISD Director, Robyn Wall, the program has continued to grow and will continue to deliver under the management of Dave Purser and with strong contributions from Virginia Francken, John Oaten and Luke Kostava.

“There are now 31 companies in the program and the team is currently working with another six on new SADI agreements,” she said.

“We’re very proud of how well recognised the SADI Program is, and the ability of the program to grow and develop around the ever changing needs of defence industry and Defence priorities.”

She added that the SADI fly-away teams recommended in the Defence and Industry Strategic Policy 2007 (DISP) are already up and running.

“We can now go out and help industry complete their applications for SADI funding. This is particularly welcomed by small to medium enterprises,” she said.

“Everyone at the Industry Skilling Team is excited by the ongoing success of the SADI Program and the new opportunities arising from the DIPS and the JTTF, and we’re looking forward to exploring the many opportunities for working with the Australian defence industry sector to ensure that industry can support the ADF,” she said.