Home

School leavers to get taste of work in armed forces sector with Defence Industry Pathway Program

Headshot of Ben Harvey
Ben HarveyThe West Australian
VideoSchool leavers are being given a taste of what working in the defence sector is like through a new program designed to lure teenagers who are unsure whether it is the right career for them.

School leavers are being given a taste of what working in the defence sector is like through a new program designed to lure teenagers who are unsure whether it is the right career for them.

The Federal Government is spending $10 million funding 12-month traineeships it hopes will grow the State’s defence workforce.

The first cohort of 20 high school graduates start training next month as part of the Defence Industry Pathway Program. A total of 120 students will be supported by the middle of next year, with employers getting $45,000 a person to help with wages and other costs.

The “taster” course at Henderson’s Australian Marine Complex was designed in collaboration with South Metropolitan TAFE and the naval industry.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Defence Industry Minister Melissa Price said the Government’s maritime rearmament program would create 1000 jobs across Australia within two years.

The defence sector is competing against high-paying resources companies for engineers and scientists and there are concerns the readiness of the army, navy and air force could be jeopardised by a dearth of workers.

The Defence Industry Pathways program, which is open to school leavers who have finished Year 12, is an early shot in the battle to “attract and retain the next generation of designers, engineers, scientists and technical tradespeople”.

“This program is designed to build a pipeline of talent that is ready to be part of Australia’s booming shipbuilding industry,” Ms Price said.

“We need our young people to know that there are diverse, valuable and exciting careers to be found in the defence industry. The program will provide funding for the trainee’s pay, work attire and a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways.”

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails