A new State Government package is putting defence career pathways in focus, with training partnerships and a dedicated careers website to support WA’s growing defence industry.
The sector is expected to need 10,000 workers over the next two decades, highlighting the importance of helping people develop the skills to take up future opportunities.
“WA’s defence industry is ramping up and will soon be our State’s second-largest industry,” said Defence Industry Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson.
CCIWA Associate Director Industry Skills Carly Shillam welcomed the announcement from the State Government, saying more direct career pathways were essential in ensuing WA could meet the defence industry workforce demand.
“Building this workforce starts with helping people understand the opportunities available and how to get there,” she said.
“Apprenticeships and traineeships can give people a practical pathway to develop their skills while working, while helping employers build the capability they need for the future.”
Exploring a defence training hub
Murdoch University, Curtin University and South Metropolitan TAFE have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore establishing a specialised defence training and innovation centre at Murdoch’s Rockingham campus.
The proposed centre would also support opportunities associated with AUKUS.
Shillam said collaboration between education providers and industry was important to connect training with workplace needs.
“For employers, it’s worth thinking ahead about the skills your business will need and where an apprentice or trainee could fit,” she said.
“Recruitment is only the beginning. Good supervision, a supportive workplace and ongoing mentoring help people build confidence and progress through their training.”
Finding a pathway into the industry
The announcement also included the launch of a Defence Industry Skills website, featuring career, training and workforce development opportunities.
The sector offers various career options across trades, professional and specialised occupations, with key disciplines being engineering, information and communication technology, cyber security, project management, logistics and supply chain.
“You don’t need to have your whole career mapped out before asking for help,” Shillam said.
“A conversation about your interests, strengths and training options can help you understand which pathway could suit you.”
Support in navigating the defence industry
For employers: we can facilitate employment, manage training and offer support and advice to companies seeking apprentices to boost their workforce.
For apprentices and trainees: we provide free career guidance, recruitment and sign-up support, advice on eligible incentives, and ongoing mentoring for apprentices, trainees and their employers.
Contact us at [email protected] or phone 1300 363 831.
