Defence supports a number of initiatives designed to:
- increase student knowledge of the defence industry sector
- inform young Australians about the varied pathways and career opportunities within defence industry
- encourage student engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- help expand the pool of skilled workers from which defence industry is able to recruit
- help support specific skills within defence industry capability.
Defence Industry Internship Program
The Defence Industry Internship Program links 3rd and 4th year engineering and technology students with defence industry sector small to medium enterprises (SME) by sponsoring the industry placement component of the student's studies.
The program specifically targets engineering streams considered by defence industry to be in short or critical supply, and aims to give students a better understanding of the critical work performed by the 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
- encourages student participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (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 the current SPP grant recipients and how to become involved, visit the Re-Engineering Australia Foundation website and 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.