The Times Australia
The Times Australia
.

Boost to future defence industry workforce

  • Written by Scott Morrison


The Morrison Government will turbocharge a program to get more women in defence industry jobs by providing an additional 360 training places for engineering students working in the defence sector. 

The Defence Industry Internship Program provides third and fourth year engineering students with industry-based internships in small and medium-sized defence industry businesses across Australia. 

$14.4 million will be invested in the program to ensure 120 places will be provided each year through to 2025-26, now totalling 770 places.   

As part of the funding boost, the Government will also set a target of at least 40 per cent female participation, helping to grow the number of female engineers in the defence industry. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the additional funding would help grow the pool of skilled engineers in Australia, which was needed to deliver on the Government’s historic $270 billion investment in our sovereign defence capability. 

“Through our $270 billion investment in building our sovereign defence capability we are creating jobs and securing a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said. 

“We are determined to break down the barriers that stop girls and women studying engineering and other STEM subjects and help them take advantage of the future jobs boom that our defence investment is creating. 

“Bolstering the number of Australians skilled in these important jobs, particularly engineers, is a key part of our economic plan and our plan to keep Australians safe.” 

The program provides practical experience for engineering students by facilitating 12-week internships with defence industry micro, small and medium businesses. 

More than 60 defence industry small and medium-sized businesses are already involved across the nation, with interns placed in every state and territory. 

Almost half of the internships completed in 2020-21 were offered continued employment with their host business, while an additional 15 per cent from the same cohort are being considered for future positions by their host business after they complete their degree. 

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the funding boost demonstrated the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting defence industry to build its workforce of tomorrow. 

“We are determined to ensure we have an Australian workforce with the right skills to build here at home the capabilities, products and services our ADF needs to keep us safe,” Minister Price said. 

“The Defence Industry Internship Program is helping us deliver this workforce and I am thrilled that it will now include more women. 

“Interns taking part in the program are exposed to innovative technology and equipment that many university students simply do not get the chance to engage with. 

“Providing the next generation of Australian engineers – particularly women – with this type of paid workplace experience in defence industry is vital for their professional development.” 

More information on the Defence Industry Internship Program can be found at http://www.diip.com.au.

Cheap power to the people could shift the dial for renewables in the regions

Australia’s energy story is at a turning point. Demand for electricity is rising rapidly[1] as homes, indust...

Times Magazine

Building a Strong Online Presence with Katoomba Web Design

Katoomba web design is more than just creating a website that looks good—it’s about building an online presence that reflects your brand, engages your audience, and drives results. For local businesses in the Blue Mountains, a well-designed website a...

September Sunset Polo

International Polo Tour To Bridge Historic Sport, Life-Changing Philanthropy, and Breath-Taking Beauty On Saturday, September 6th, history will be made as the International Polo Tour (IPT), a sports leader headquartered here in South Florida...

5 Ways Microsoft Fabric Simplifies Your Data Analytics Workflow

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly seeking ways to streamline their data analytics processes. The sheer volume and complexity of data can be overwhelming, often leading to bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Enter the innovative da...

7 Questions to Ask Before You Sign IT Support Companies in Sydney

Choosing an IT partner can feel like buying an insurance policy you hope you never need. The right choice keeps your team productive, your data safe, and your budget predictable. The wrong choice shows up as slow tickets, surprise bills, and risky sh...

Choosing the Right Legal Aid Lawyer in Sutherland Shire: Key Considerations

Legal aid services play an essential role in ensuring access to justice for all. For people in the Sutherland Shire who may not have the financial means to pay for private legal assistance, legal aid ensures that everyone has access to representa...

Watercolor vs. Oil vs. Digital: Which Medium Fits Your Pet's Personality?

When it comes to immortalizing your pet’s unique personality in art, choosing the right medium is essential. Each artistic medium, whether watercolor, oil, or digital, has distinct qualities that can bring out the spirit of your furry friend in dif...

The Times Features

How much money do you need to be happy? Here’s what the research says

Over the next decade, Elon Musk could become the world’s first trillionaire[1]. The Tesla board recently proposed a US$1 trillion (A$1.5 trillion) compensation plan, if Musk ca...

NSW has a new fashion sector strategy – but a sustainable industry needs a federally legislated response

The New South Wales government recently announced the launch of the NSW Fashion Sector Strategy, 2025–28[1]. The strategy, developed in partnership with the Australian Fashion ...

From Garden to Gift: Why Roses Make the Perfect Present

Think back to the last time you gave or received flowers. Chances are, roses were part of the bunch, or maybe they were the whole bunch.   Roses tend to leave an impression. Even ...

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Even a single night of sleep trouble can feel distressing and lonely. You toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and wonder how you’ll cope tomorrow. No wonder many people star...

Wedding Photography Trends You Need to Know (Before You Regret Your Album)

Your wedding album should be a timeless keepsake, not something you cringe at years later. Trends may come and go, but choosing the right wedding photography approach ensures your ...

Can you say no to your doctor using an AI scribe?

Doctors’ offices were once private. But increasingly, artificial intelligence (AI) scribes (also known as digital scribes) are listening in. These tools can record and trans...