Through school pathway initiatives, students are being introduced to science, technology, engineering and maths in practical, hands-on ways that connect classroom learning to real jobs in defence and adjacent industries. These programs help students understand how subjects such as maths, science and digital technology can lead to careers in engineering, shipbuilding, cyber, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and electrical and metal trades.
This early engagement is critical. By working with schools, teachers and industry, the South Australian Government is helping young people see defence as a career pathway of choice, not just for the future, but as something they can begin preparing for while still at school.
South Australia’s technical colleges are also playing a key role in building job-ready skills aligned to defence and advanced manufacturing. The State Government has committed significant investment to establish technical colleges focused on priority industries, including defence, creating stronger links between students, employers and real career pathways.
In vocational education, programs such as the Defence Industry Pathways Program and Shipbuilding Employment Pathways are supporting trainees and apprentices into roles linked to naval shipbuilding and other defence industry domains. These initiatives help reduce barriers for employers and participants while building the skilled workforce needed for current and future projects, including in niche roles such as procurement, detailed design and integrated logistics support.
For students moving into higher education, degree apprenticeships create new earn-while-you-learn pathways. These programs allow students to study in areas such as software, mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering while gaining paid workplace experience and industry mentoring from the beginning of their degree.
The Defence Industry Connection Program is also helping university students gain practical experience by matching them with defence industry employers for placements, supporting both students and businesses to build capability and develop future talent.
The workforce challenge is not only about numbers. It is also about building a diverse, adaptable and innovative workforce that draws on the full talent of the South Australian community.
That means increasing participation by women, First Nations people, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, regional communities and students who may be the first in their family to pursue higher education or technical careers. A broader and more diverse workforce will bring different perspectives, strengthen problem solving, and support the delivery of complex defence projects.
Building on this work, we are creating even more pathways into the industry under our AUKUS Skills Package. This $27 million investment will deliver more than 1,000 new university, TAFE, trade and upskilling pathways, helping more South Australians move into highly-skilled, high paid jobs in the defence sector.
This workforce effort is backed by major investment in infrastructure, training and research.
