Up to 300 university students now have the opportunity to gain vital work experience in the defence industry through the newly launched Defence Industry Connection Program.

Delivered by the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), the $3.9 million South Australian Government-funded program is a four-year initiative that aims to create a pipeline of work-ready graduates to meet the state’s growing defence workforce needs.

The program connects students in defence-related STEM with placements at defence primes and businesses in the supply chain.

Eligible participants must be currently enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place at one of South Australia’s public universities, with disciplines including Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Naval Architecture, Nuclear Science, and Mathematics, among others.

Ai Group’s State Head, Estha van der Linden, said the program will provide students with a valuable opportunity to gain real world experience.

“The Connection Program will be instrumental in shaping the future workforce of the South Australian defence industry,” Ms van der Linden said.

“It provides a valuable opportunity for students to experience the defence industry and gain hands-on experience while continuing to study towards their degrees.”

In addition to offering practical experience, the program provides financial support to students. Interns will receive scholarships to help reduce the financial barriers often associated with undertaking work placements, allowing them to focus on gaining industry knowledge and skills while studying.

The program also prioritises students from underrepresented groups, including First Nations people, women, people with disabilities, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Building on the success of the previous Defence Industry Scholarship Program, where 80 percent of participants secured employment with their host employer, this initiative is expected to further strengthen South Australia’s defence workforce.

“Companies will be able to use the program for talent acquisition with the intention that students will gain employment in the defence industry after their internship,” Ms van der Linden added.

For more information on the Defence Industry Connection Program and eligibility details, visit statedevelopment.sa.gov.au/defence-industry.

*Image courtesy of the Department of State Development.