Discover the students turning classroom skills into cutting-edge careers in defence and space thanks to a new scholarship program.

When Lachlan Gwynne first walked into Adelaide’s Neumann Space HQ as an intern, he didn’t expect to be assembling cutting-edge propulsion technology that helps satellites soar through the cosmos.

Fast forward a year, and Lachlan is a full-time engineer at the Adelaide-based space company. He credits the state government-led Defence Industry Scholarships Program, now revamped as the Defence Industry Connection Program, for giving him a career launch pad.

“This program didn’t just give me a foot in the door—it allowed me to develop the skills and connections I needed to secure a role in an industry that’s notoriously hard to crack,” Lachlan says.

The new $3.9 million Defence Industry Connection Program is designed to do just that: help STEM students like Lachlan transition from university to meaningful careers.

Funded by the South Australian Government and delivered by AiGroup, the program is set to provide up to 300 students with paid scholarships and internships at businesses within the state’s defence supply chain.

It’s one of 22 Australian and South Australian Government supported initiatives designed to strengthen the state’s defence industry workforce, which is predicted to grow to employ more than 11,000 locals by the 2040s.

From classrooms to cutting-edge innovation

Tamara Burling, a mechanical engineering student majoring in aerospace, recently completed her first internship through the government program at Neumann Space and can’t wait to continue next year.

Tamara says the experience so far has opened her eyes to the sheer diversity of roles in engineering.

“I always thought aerospace was just about planes and rockets,” she says. “But during my internship, I worked on everything from software testing to physically building thrusters. It’s been so hands-on—I never expected to have that level of involvement as a student.”

Neumann Space specialises in electric propulsion systems for satellites, an innovation that blends plasma technology with engineering precision. Tamara’s role involved testing these systems and troubleshooting how they might perform in the harsh conditions of space.

“I’ve discovered a passion for systems engineering, which I didn’t even know existed before,” she says. “This program helps you explore different pathways and find where you really fit.”

Supporting diversity in STEM

One of the program’s key aims is to create opportunities for marginalised groups, including women, First Nations people, and culturally diverse students, in industries where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented. For Tamara, this focus is vital.

“As a woman in STEM, I’ve always wondered if I’d feel out of place,” she says. “When I started my degree, there weren’t many other women in my classes. But programs like this show how things are changing, and it’s encouraging more women to get involved.”

Tamara’s experience at Neumann Space has been overwhelmingly positive, with a welcoming environment where diversity is embraced.

“When I walked into the company, I thought it might be a bit of a boys’ club, but it hasn’t been like that at all. Everyone’s been so supportive, and I’ve never felt out of place,” she says.

She hopes her story encourages other young women to explore STEM careers: “For anyone hesitant about going into STEM, I’d say don’t let stereotypes hold you back. The opportunities are amazing, and the industry is a lot more inclusive than people might think.

A win for students and businesses

Programs like this are vital in breaking down the barriers students face when entering high-demand industries. According to Lachlan, the paid nature of his internship was a game-changer.

“Unpaid internships can still be valuable, but having financial support makes a huge difference,” Lachlan says. “It’s really set me up for the future.”

The initiative isn’t just a win for students. Companies like Neumann Space benefit too.

“The Defence and Space industries are growing fast in South Australia and so are our needs for excellent local students to join our workforce, bringing diversity, energy and skills,” says CEO Hervé Astier.

“Neumann Space had a very successful experience with past programs, progressing students from interns to casual positions and recently to full-time employment,” he says.

“We look forward to having new talented students joining our company and ultimately becoming full members of our fantastic team.”

Why South Australia is the place to be for STEM careers

Both Lachlan and Tamara say South Australia is a hub for innovation in defence and space.

“There are so many exciting projects happening here, from submarine design to satellite launches,” Lachlan says. “It’s not just a big country town—it’s becoming a global leader in defence engineering.”

For Tamara, the rise of programs encouraging diversity in STEM is another reason to stay in Adelaide.

“I think it’s a really exciting time to be in the space industry, especially in South Australia—there’s so much happening and so many opportunities for students to get involved.”

Ready to launch your career?

The Defence Industry Connection Program offers eligible uni students not just hands-on experience but also mentoring, networking, and a clear pathway into industries shaping our future.

Whether you’re a budding engineer, scientist, or mathematician, this initiative is proof that South Australia is now the place to find world-class job opportunities — and the financial support to land them.

Learn more about the Defence Industry Connection Program and how to apply here.

This article originally appeared in The Post and has been republished here with permission.