Defence supports a number of initiatives designed to:
- increase student knowledge of the defence industry sector
- clarify work and career pathways into defence industry
- help expand the pool of skilled workers from which defence industry is able to recruit
- help support specific skills within defence industry capability.
Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Grant Program
The Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry (SADI) Grant Program helps defence industry Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Industry Associations upskill and train existing defence industry employees in trade, technical and professional skill sets.
The grants also help Defence SMEs to establish human resources practices and training plans that will help build lifelong learning activities into their business -supporting workforce development, training needs and retention.
For further information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply for a Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Grant, please visit the Skilling Australia's Defence Industry website.
Defence Industry Internship Program
The Defence Industry Internship Program links 3rd and 4th year engineering students with defence industry sector Small to Medium Enterprises by sponsoring the industry placement component of their studies.
The program specifically targets engineering streams considered by defence industry to be in short or critical supply, and aims to give student engineers a better understanding of the critical work performed by our defence industry.
For further information on the next round of registrations for students and host SMEs visit the Defence Industry Internship Program website.
School Pathways Program
The School Pathways Program (SPP) aims to inform young Australians about the varied pathways and career opportunities within the defence industry sector.
The Program facilitates an understanding of defence industry; provides access to defence industry career experiences; provides access to mentoring and networking opportunities and encourages student participation in STEM activities and/or subjects that will lead to an increase in the pool of young people with the knowledge and skills to purse defence industry careers.
For further information about the work being completed by our current School Pathways Program grant recipients and how you can become involved, visit the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation website at the Regional Development Australia – Hunter website.
SPP sample grant agreement (PDF, 155.38 KB)
SPP grant guidelines (PDF, 83.05 KB)
SPP grant proposal form (PDF, 41.93 KB)
Defence Industry Pathways Program
The Defence Industry Pathways Program was developed in partnership with WA’s South Metropolitan TAFE and the State’s maritime defence industry.
The program aims to give school leavers and others an initial experience in Defence industry through placements with relevant employers. It also provides participants with a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways from Western Australia’s South Metropolitan TAFE.
Running over 12 months, with up to 120 trainees taking part through to 2023, the goal is to build the nation’s future Defence industry workforce by showing school leavers and those looking for a career change what Defence industry options are available, as well as introducing them to its workplace culture.
To find out more visit the Defence Industry Pathways Program website.