More than 1,000 Western Australians have so far benefited from training opportunities and financial assistance to 'start something' and embark on a rewarding career in WA's defence industry, according to a new State Government report released today.
The Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia's Defence Industry report highlights the many positive outcomes to date of the State Government's targeted $35 million investment to grow the defence industry and bolster WA's trade, para-professional and professional workforce for the defence industry.
Since 2017 the State Government has championed WA's defence sector and positioned WA as the national leader in naval shipbuilding and submarine sustainment, and secured significant Commonwealth defence projects.
Projects including the consolidated Defence Precinct at Henderson, Submarine Rotational Force-West, and shipbuilding for the Australian Navy's future Surface Combatant Fleet and the Army's landing craft are set to create more than 10,000 highly-skilled, well-paid jobs in the State's defence industry over the next two decades.
To ensure WA has a growing pipeline of skilled workers to deliver these projects, the State Government has implemented a range of initiatives from the Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27.
Launched in October 2020, the Defence Industry Incentive has financially supported 68 defence industry employers to train 435 new apprentices in engineering trades, boosting WA's shipbuilding capacity and capability.
The Defence Industry Veterans Employment Scheme (DIVES) has supported 82 Australian Defence Force veterans to transition to a career in the defence industry, with $5,000 scholarships helping them to cover the costs related to vocational training and university studies.
The Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre has a dedicated Defence Industry Team available to provide students, job seekers, and career changers with one-on-one advice about defence industry training and career pathways. A specialist veterans transition consultant is also on hand to help veterans enhance their employability and prepare for roles in the defence industry.
Contact the Defence Industry Team on 9599 8655 or visit them at South Metropolitan TAFE's Rockingham campus for more information.
To read the Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia's Defence Industry report and learn more about the State's defence industry visit www.theotherforce.wa.gov.au/delivering-skilled-workforce - external site