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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    Defence industry and supply chain businesses

    Workforce and capability-building opportunities

    The sharp uptick in demand for defence industry and supply chain workers is a significant economic challenge and opportunity for our state.

    Competition for workers is fierce with several high-growth sectors drawing from the same talent pool; in particular, STEM qualified employees including engineers, technicians, and other skilled tradespeople.

    To increase the size and capability of this talent pool, the Australian and South Australian Governments are funding a suite of workforce development initiatives as detailed in the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report.

    Below are the current opportunities for defence industry, supply chain, and other aligned businesses to participate in these initiatives, contribute meaningfully to a person’s career path and, ultimately, the development of your future workforce.

    Current opportunities to participate in these initiatives and develop your business’s future workforce are listed below:
    Defence industry

    South Australian businesses tapped for US defence supply chain

    In late 2024, five South Australian businesses commenced the Department of State Development’s Supplier Capability Uplift Program, facilitated by the United States’ leading shipbuilder, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).

    HII’s Australian entity, HII Nuclear Australia Pty Ltd, selected participants McKechnie Iron Foundry, Century Engineering, Levett Engineering, H-E Parts International and MacTaggart Scott Australia based on their potential to meet specific supply chain requirements for major US defence projects – including the Virginia Class Submarine.

    Through the program, each business undertook a Supplier Technical Assessment and Validation (STAV) review to identify and address capability gaps.

    Participants are supported by the South Australian Government to address any shortfalls in order to compete for work on the Virginia Class Submarine and other global shipbuilding and sustainment opportunities.

    Refining this expertise not only empowers businesses to win work in the short-term, but it also bolsters local supply chain capability – preparing the state to fulfil South Australian-based defence projects like the construction of the SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear powered submarines.

    Visit the Manufacturing Hub to learn more about South Australian Government support for local manufacturing businesses.

    Learn more

    Partner with the South Australian Government on the ongoing development of the state’s defence industry capabilities.

    Continuous engagement with industry, community, education and training providers, workers and unions is critical to fulfilling the major defence projects on our state’s horizon.

    To discuss the initiatives and opportunities to collaborate, contact the defence industry team within the Department of State Development.

    Email the Defence team