As the State Government prepares its new $2.5 million Defence industry grants program for take-off, industry stakeholders are being invited to provide feedback on the expression of interest document ahead of applications opening. The new Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants will support the development and delivery of new, customised or existing education and training products to meet the defence industry’s current and emerging workforce needs.
The grants program will soon invite defence industry firms, consortia of firms or peak bodies to partner with Team WA universities (Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Murdoch University, and the University of Western Australia), or WA-based registered training organisations to develop and deliver micro-credentials, accredited short courses and skill sets that address the defence industry’s upskilling or reskilling priorities.
Applying for the grants will be a two-stage process starting with an expression of interest. Selected applicants will then be invited to provide a more detailed application. Administered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), the Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants are part of the State Government’s $11 million package of initiatives to boost the industry’s professional and para-professional workforce.
The investment builds the State Government’s previous $18 million package to boost the State’s defence industry capabilities and trades workforce. Western Australian defence industry firms and peak organisations can provide feedback on the draft expression of interest documentation via the Tenders WA website www.tenders.wa.gov.au. There will also be a briefing session for industry stakeholders to provide further information on the grants program and receive feedback on the expression of interest documentation.
“The McGowan Government continues to work closely with the defence sector to ensure our Government’s significant investment in defence workforce initiatives hits the mark when it comes to preparing the State to attract new defence projects over the next decade." says Training Minister Simone McGurk. “The new Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants will increase the defence sector’s ability to recruit, attract and retain a skilled workforce and meet its unique skills needs. Before the new grants program is launched, defence industry stakeholders are being given the opportunity to preview the draft expression of interest documentation and provide feedback. This step in the process will help to ensure the pilot grants program is primed for take-off and take-up by defence industry partners across all five defence capability domains of land, air, maritime, space and information, and cyber.”