South Australia secures $28m National Security TAFE Centre of Excellence

South Australia will be home to a new state-of-the-art National Security TAFE Centre of Excellence, designed to upskill the state’s workforce for major Defence programs and strengthen cyber resilience across critical industries.

Jointly funded by both state and federal governments, the $28 million Centre will be based at TAFE SA’s Regency campus and will deliver specialised training in electrotechnology, electronics, and engineering.

A key focus of the Centre will be preparing South Australians for careers in defence, particularly in support of AUKUS initiatives. This includes collaborating with UK and US education institutions to transfer advanced technology training and develop new industry-relevant qualifications.

The Centre will provide hands-on experience with automated technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics and virtual reality tools. Apprentices and tradies will be trained for roles such as electricians, engineering technicians, mechanical fitters, welders, and boilermakers, with a strong emphasis on safeguarding critical infrastructure.

In addition to technical skills, the Centre will offer training to help students and apprentices identify and prevent physical and digital threats to national security projects.

The Centre will help supply skilled workers to companies like Saab Australia, which is involved in major Defence projects such as combat system integration for the Hunter class frigates, Hobart class destroyers and Collins class submarines.

“A highly skilled local workforce is essential for South Australia to take full advantage of the defence industry opportunities on the horizon,” said Saab Australia Chief Financial Officer, Courtney Morcombe.

“This new investment will support organisations like Saab Australia to deliver the Commonwealth’s capability requirements, continue developing sovereign capabilities and grow our workforce in South Australia.”

As South Australia’s defence industry ramps up to deliver critical projects in naval shipbuilding and guided weapons, the need to protect supply chains from security and cyber threats is more important than ever.

TAFE SA, as the state’s largest provider of defence training, is well positioned to lead the new Centre and support the development of sovereign manufacturing capabilities.

This marks the 14^th TAFE Centre of Excellence announced nationally and the second in South Australia, following the Early Childhood Education and Care Centre at TAFE SA’s Adelaide City West campus. It forms part of the Australian Government’s $325 million commitment to establish TAFE Centres of Excellence across Australia under the National Skills Agreement.