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Western Australia's defence industry is recognised as one of the most highly educated, qualified and skilled of its type anywhere in the world. As the defence industry continues to grow, the skill needs for our defence industry workforce across all five defence capability domains of the industry — information and cyber, maritime, air, space and land — are also growing and changing in order to meet future requirements in areas such as technology and communications for Industry 4.0 and opportunities with space ground stations. Having a skilled workforce will also prepare the defence industry for major projects and opportunities happening now and over coming years, and it all starts in our schools, TAFE colleges. private training providers, and universities. The following resources and information can be used to support schools and education and training providers to promote WA's defence industry as an exciting career pathway. |
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NEW! A defence qualification from TAFE could be eligible for credit towards a university degree through an articulation pathway, potentially reducing the time and cost required to upskill with a higher level qualification! |
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You can also visit our main Defence industry page, to find out more about WA's defence industry and the opportunities it offers.
Defence West is a specialist WA Government branch set up to grow the industry, expand infrastructure and create jobs across the five domains of information and cyber, maritime, air, space, and land. They have recently published their Mission Update 2020, which details achievements to date and the mission for the next two years. There's also a number of useful industry videos on their website.
We also recommend following Defence West on Facebook (@defencewest).
Year 9 Career Taster Program
The Year 9 Career Taster Program (CTP) provides industry bodies, employers and training providers an opportunity to showcase their industry to engage young people and highlight the current and future occupations and career pathways on offer.
As a Year 9 teacher or career practitioner, you can help students learn about occupations and careers within WA's defence industry and give them ‘a taste’ of the opportunities it offers.
CTP experiences can range from workplace tours and hands-on exploration, a guest speaker or a 'day in the life' from a particular occupational area, or other activities that enable students to try, see and do to inform and inspire their future career plans. To find out more, please visit the CTP portal.
Career stories
Take a look at these videos to hear from Matilda and Mark, who are enjoying their career in the defence industry.
Matilda Hobbins is doing a four-year apprenticeship in fabrication and welding at Austal, a shipbuilding company based in Henderson. She's one of the few women in her apprenticeship, she loves her job and is excited about the opportunities ahead.
Mark started his big career move by doing a Diploma of Project Management, which led him to a role at a shipbuilding company where he now manages the offshore patrol vessel contract for the Australian Navy; leading the production team.
The following career stories highlight the different pathways into a career in WA's defence industry.
Free advice, support and information
If you're looking for free advice, support and information to assist your students, we can help!
A dedicated defence industry team is available at the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre, with specialist experience in WA's Defence industry. They can help students to explore training options or develop a career plan. They can also assist jobseekers to prepare a CV and apply for jobs.
There's also other JSCs located across Perth and regional WA who offer general advice and support about training, jobs and career development.
All JSC services are completely free of charge.
Contact the specialist defence industry team at the Rockingham JSC, or drop in for a chat.
P: 08 9599 8655
E: defence.careers@smtafe.wa.edu.au
South Metropolitan TAFE Rockingham campus
Simpson Avenue Rockingham (Building G)
To contact the other Jobs and Skills Centres across WA, follow the link below to find your local centre or call the number below to reach your nearest JSC.