Graduates launch careers in South Australia’s defence industry

**Republished from its original publication on Defence Trailblazer**

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Two graduates from Adelaide University are now building careers in South Australia’s defence industry after completing internships at DEWC Services.

Supported by co-funding from Defence Trailblazer’s Workforce portfolio, these opportunities are helping students gain real-world experience, develop in-demand skills, and kick-start careers in South Australia’s growing defence and space industries.

With South Australia set to need an additional 10,000 workers in the defence industry over the next two decades, it’s never been a better time to consider where a career in defence or space could take you.

There are many pathways into the sector, from internships and university study to vocational training and entry-level roles, helping people at all stages build skills and start a career in this growing industry.

The Defence Trailblazer student placements and projects program provides students with opportunities to gain hands-on industry experience through tailored work projects and internships. It supports skills development and work integrated learning across defence-focused disciplines, while connecting emerging talent with meaningful career pathways.

Through this initiative, DEWC is hosting emerging engineers and technologists, giving them early exposure to real Defence challenges and showcasing the breadth of opportunities across the sector.

Two recent interns, graduates Hard Patel and Matthew Fowler, have now transitioned from student placements to full-time roles at DEWC, where they are contributing to defence projects and building long-term careers in the industry.

Their placements involved technically complex projects and AI-focused innovation challenges, helping accelerate their transition into defence-capable professionals.

Hard is now involved in the Adelaide University and DEWC research collaboration focused on developing AI-enabled decision support systems for Defence, work that reflects the cutting-edge innovation happening within South Australia’s defence sector.

“The placement gave me the opportunity to apply my university learning to real Defence challenges,” Hard said.

“Being able to contribute to a project that will support decision making in complex Defence environments has been incredibly rewarding.”

Matthew also broadened his practical experience during his placement and is now working full time on a defence project.

“Having experienced mentors to guide me through real Defence challenges helped me build the skills I need so I can contribute to meaningful Defence work,” Matthew said.

Defence Trailblazer Workforce Portfolio Manager Lisa Staines said the internship program plays an important role in building Australia’s Defence workforce pipeline and creating clear pathways into the industry.

“Programs like this ensure we are developing the future workforce required to deliver sovereign capability. When students gain hands on experience with industry partners, they build the practical skills and confidence needed to contribute to Defence from day one,” Ms Staines said.

To learn more about the Defence Trailblazer program head to the Defence Trailblazer website and to discover your career in South Australia’s defence and space industries head to Find Your Place SA.