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.