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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Building a defence industry career

    Support to start and progress your defence industry career

    South Australia’s defence industry is distinct from the Australian Defence Force. It describes the thousands of workers contributing to national security in a different way – through the construction, operation and maintenance of some of Australia’s most critical and technologically advanced defence machinery and infrastructure.

    It also encompasses those who work for one of South Australia’s many small and medium-sized manufacturers and other businesses that supply to larger defence primes and/or contribute to major defence projects.

    Why work in the defence industry?

    With the Australian Government committing to a program of continuous shipbuilding in South Australia – including the construction of SSN AUKUS submarines – the defence industry offers local jobseekers secure, well-paid and meaningful career opportunities for decades to come.

    In fact, the current South Australian defence industry workforce is forecast to grow from around 5,500 to more than 11,000 by the 2040s, with a significant demand for STEM qualified employees including engineers, technicians, and other skilled tradespeople.

    Recognising this high demand, the Australian and South Australians Governments are investing in workforce development initiatives that help people like you to embark on a defence industry career – making now the ideal time to get started!

    Defence industry career paths are available to people of all ages, experiences and backgrounds. Find your best entryway:
    Defence career

    Find your place in South Australia’s defence industry

    What kind of roles and career pathways are available in South Australia’s fast-growing defence and space industries?

    Defence SA’s Find Your Place website is a great resource for anyone considering a defence or space industry career in South Australia. It includes:

    • An overview of the defence and space sectors, including major projects underway or upcoming in the state
    • Real career stories from current defence and space industry workers
    • Information on education and training pathways
    • Information for Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans interested in transitioning into a defence industry career
    • An overview of defence and space companies based in South Australia and links to search and apply for local jobs, including graduate or traineeship opportunities.

    No matter what stage of life or career you’re in, now is the time to Find Your Place in defence and space.