News

For over 30 South Australians, this week marks the start of an exciting career in the state’s fast-growing defence industry, as we welcomed the first cohort of trainees and apprentices into the Defence Industry Pathways and the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways Programs.

Supported by the Department of State Development and delivered by PEER, these programs will provide a combined model of paid on-the-job experience and industry-aligned study that’s specifically tailored to the skilling requirements of Australia’s shipbuilding sector.

Ultimately, apprentices and trainees will obtain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways and secure full‑time paid employment in South Australia’s Defence Industry.

By providing unparalleled opportunities to obtain hands-on skills and qualifications in critical areas of defence, these programs are set to bolster South Australia’s defence industry workforce to support the delivery of Australia’s largest and most complex defence projects.

These programs form part of one of the 22 initiatives detailed in the SA Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan to grow the skilled defence industry workforce required in South Australia.