Defence industry STEM skills boosted in SA and WA

The federal government has entered into a $5.1 million Federation Funding Agreement with South Australia and Western Australia to deliver a new programme to give students defence industry experience.

The governments will deliver the Schools Pathways Program (SPP), part of the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy.

The SPP will help to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning in schools in the two states which have significant workforce needs to delver major shipbuilding projects.

Adelaide’s Osborne Naval Dockyard is the home of large warship and submarine construction, while the Henderson Maritime Precinct in Perth is building a large number of smaller vessels.

Students will gain defence industry experience through activities such as project-based learning, industry visits, presentations and challenges. Students will also have the opportunity to connect with mentors and networks of highly skilled defence industry professionals.

​The South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said: “We have a big job ahead of us to significantly increase our skilled workforce to meet the demands of our emerging defence industry and other areas of growth in our state.

“The Schools Pathway programme will support our young people by providing an understanding of the defence industry and the various careers available to them as part of the sector.

“We want students and apprentices to know they can start their journey to a career in defence industry while still at school, getting qualifications that will get them a job when they finish their SACE.”

Professional development opportunities and practical information will also be provided to teachers and carers to support their discussions with students about career pathways within Australian defence industry.

The SPP is also a key initiative of the joint Commonwealth-South Australia Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report, launched in 2023.

Commonwealth funding for the SPP has been scheduled under the Federation Funding Agreement – Education and Skills for financial years 2023-24 to 2025-26.

Picture: South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer