Pathways beyond study
Propel your career in defence & space forward
Whether you’re a recent graduate, an experienced professional, or considering a career change, the defence and space industries offer a wealth of opportunities to take your career to the next level.
These dynamic sectors are seeking individuals with diverse skill sets, from engineering and IT to project management, logistics, marketing, and various trades. Whether you’re driven by a passion for national security or possess transferable skills from adjacent industries, your expertise is in demand.
With a strong focus on innovation and growth, defence and space sectors provide not only job security but also long-term career development and the chance to contribute to meaningful, purpose-driven work. If you’re considering a career change, there’s no better time to bring your skills to an industry that values your experience and offers a fulfilling future.
Opportunities
AIML Postgraduate Programs
The Australian Institute of Machine Learning (AIML) brings together researchers and industry to provide big data capability with the potential to make the nation safer and more secure. AIML offers a range of postgraduate academic programs managed through the University of Adelaide’s School of Computer Science.
ASC’s International Opportunities
Train overseas for a long-term career in Australia with ASC, a key partner in the nation’s nuclear-powered submarine (SSN) program.
Opportunities are available to live, work and learn in the UK for up to 2 years or the US for 2–3 years, gaining world-leading training in nuclear technology and setting yourself up for a secure career in in Australia’s SSN program – the nation’s largest-ever industrial endeavour.
Australian Space Architecture Challenge (ASAC)
ASAC returns in 2025, bringing students, graduates and professionals together to design solutions for building in space and on Earth. Open to a range of disciplines, the free competition offers $6,000 in prizes, industry mentorship and the chance to contribute to real-world innovation.
Registrations close on 30 June 2025.
BMT Training Courses
BMT is a leading international design, engineering, science and risk management consultancy who offer several industry-specific training courses to support your learning and development needs. Training ranges from longer digital and face-to-face courses to shorter e-Learning courses.
Certificate II & IV in Aeroskills
Certificate II and IV in Aeroskills is a South Australian Government subsidised program for students to start their journey toward an engineering apprenticeship in the aviation industry.
Delivered at Adelaide Airport, the course focuses on mechanical aircraft engineering and provides a strong foundation in both theory and practical skills.
Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Apprentice Stream)
Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Apprentice Stream) offers a fully-funded, industry-leading pathway to becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) in mechanical or avionics specialisations.
Aligned with CASA Part 147 standards, this 4-year apprenticeship program, funded by the South Australian Government, provides hands-on experience in the workplace. Graduates will be fully qualified to embark on a rewarding career in aircraft maintenance engineering.
Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials
The Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials are a training initiative developed by the Defence Trailblazer in partnership with Lockheed Martin Australia.
Designed for professionals across the defence industry, the program offers flexible, self-paced learning through a mix of online modules and in-person workshops, focused on the design, integration and sustainment of advanced defence systems.
CyberCX Academy
The CyberCX Academy is a paid, full-time program designed to launch meaningful careers in cyber security, with no prior experience needed.
Open to recent university and TAFE graduates, school leavers, career changers and those re-entering the workforce, the program offers six months of structured training followed by placement in a specialist role within CyberCX.
Defence Industry Leadership Program (DILP)
The Defence Industry Leadership Program, delivered annually by the Defence Teaming Centre, is a unique opportunity for professionals in the defence industry to strengthen their leadership capabilities. With over 240 graduates, the program offers targeted, hands-on professional development designed to build the personal and professional skills needed to lead and succeed in the sector.
Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP)
The Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) is a 12-month paid traineeship that awards graduates with a 52904WA Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways. This program provides hands-on training and experience across various sectors of the defence industry, including manufacturing and engineering, computing, logistics, procurement, technical drawing and computer-aided design (CAD).
Elevate: Boosting Women in STEM
ATSE’s Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program will award up to 500 undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to women and non-binary people in STEM.
Flinders University Masters & PHD Courses
Ongoing partnerships with Australia’s largest and most complex defence programs give Flinders graduates the chance to further develop their skills in real world circumstances with Masters & PHD opportunities in defence-orientated fields across all disciplines.
Introduction to Naval Shipbuilding
A 4-week (3-5 hours per week) self-paced online course that introduces a range of key concepts, terminology, vessels and ship systems to help students prepare for employment in the Australian Naval Shipbuilding industry.
Microsoft Traineeship Program
Designed to help budding technology and IT professionals take the first step in their career, it gives students the chance to gain paid on-the-job experience, a Certificate IV in Information Technology delivered by TAFE, industry-recognised Microsoft Certifications and more.
Playford Trust Scholarships and Awards
Playford Trust scholarships and awards support students to achieve their potential and contribute to South Australia’s growth in key areas like space, defence, advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
With up to 70 scholarships available each year, from first-year students to PhD candidates, there are opportunities for all levels of study.
TAFE award applications usually open in July, and university scholarships in August.
School of Information Operations (SOIO)
SOIO offers a wide range of different defence training courses. From under the sea to space, SOIO’s experienced instructors teach you the theory and practice for what you need to know about Defence operations in multiple domains.
South Australia Defence, Space & Cyber Scholarship
This scholarship empowers future leaders in research by supporting PhD and Post-Doctoral scholars to undertake world-class studies between South Australia and the US.
With funding of up to US$40,000, this scholarship strengthens global collaboration in defence, space, and cyber security, nurturing the next generation of innovators shaping SA’s future.
STEM Returners
STEM Returners targets people with STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) skills who may have had extended career breaks or are keen to move from another sector into the Defence industry. The program works to match highly qualified and experienced STEM professionals with open positions in the industry so they can re-start their career or transfer their skills to new career opportunities.
The University of Adelaide’s Master of Cyber Security
With governments and organisations all over the world actively seeking cyber security experts with advanced technical skills and an understanding of the social and legal contexts of the digital world, the Master of Cyber Security is a valuable tool for up-skilling in a fast-growing sector.
The University of Adelaide’s Master of Maritime Engineering
Delivered in collaboration with ASC, Australia’s builder and sustainer of the Navy’s fleet of Collins Class submarines, the degree will develop and enhance prior expertise and build highly sought after knowledge and practical skills.
UniSA’s Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space)
The Global Executive Master of Business Administration (Defence and Space) is designed to meet the workforce development needs of these rapidly expanding sectors. A unique collaboration with international defence and space experts, the 18-month program is delivered across three countries: Australia, the UK and the USA.
Graduate programs
ASA’s Nuclear Graduate Program
The ASA’s Nuclear Graduate Program offers graduates the opportunity to contribute to the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine project while launching their professional careers. This program seeks high-performing, adaptable, and innovative graduates passionate about making a lasting impact.
ASC’s Corporate Graduate Program
ASC’s Corporate Graduate Program provides an introduction to a corporate career in the defence industry. Conducted over two years, it exposes graduates to unique aspects of ASC’s business through rotations across multiple departments.
Based in Osborne, the program offers roles in IT (including Cyber Security), People and Culture, Project Management, Supply Chain, Operations, and WHSE, with a contract provided upon entry.
ASC’s Graduate Engineer Program
ASC’s Graduate Engineer Program is a two-year program that builds engineering careers through hands-on experience, mentoring and rotations across multiple disciplines.
Opportunities are available in Electrical, Structural, Materials, Mechanical, Naval Architecture and Software Engineering, with graduates offered a contract at the start of the program.
Babcock Australasia Graduate Program
Babcock’s Early Careers Program is a two-year graduate program that offers participants the opportunity to apply their technical skills and training in a practical environment, alongside an established team of industry professionals.
BAE Systems Australia’s Graduate Program
BAE Systems Australia offers graduate positions that provide first-hand experience working on a range of real-world defence projects. Opportunities exist across varied disciplines including engineering, information technology, human resources, finance and project management
Boeing Australia’s Graduate Program
Boeing Graduate Program is a full-time opportunity for recent or soon-to-be graduates to kickstart their careers with hands-on experience and professional development.
With roles available in Adelaide, graduates can grow their skills in engineering, IT, computer science, finance, operations and supply chain management.
Defence Graduate Program: Research & Innovation
Kickstart your career as a recent graduate working with Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG). This 12-month program will give you a chance to see how DSTG works, learn on the job skills, and be placed into an ongoing role with the group upon program completion.
Defence Industry Engineering Graduate Program
An 18-month course (2 hours per week) professional development course designed to equip graduates with critical skills to thrive in the defence industry.
Lockheed Martin Graduate Development Program
The Lockheed Martin Graduate Development Program is designed to expose you to unique learning opportunities, while contributing to stimulating, ground-breaking projects.
Nova Systems’ Graduate Program
A two-year program that provides graduates with the experience, supervision, mentoring and training necessary to make the best possible start to your career, and make a meaningful contribution to the Nova Systems business and clients.
QinetiQ Australia Graduate Development Program
QinetiQ’s 18-month program allows graduates to be exposed to the full depth and breadth of the defence industry, with three six-month placements in any area of your choice.
Raytheon GradX Program
Raytheon Australia’s innovative and unique GradX program gives ten undergraduates from varying disciplines the opportunity to join Raytheon in their last year of study, with a guaranteed full-time position upon completion of their degree.
Rheinmetall’s Graduate Program
Rheinmetall’s Graduate Program provides a platform to launch careers in the defence industry, providing a strong technical foundation through mentoring, technical rotations and development programs while offering opportunities to work on innovative projects and future technologies. All graduates are offered permanent positions from the outset.
The program has two main intakes in January and July, with flexibility for alternative start dates.
SAAB Australia’s Graduate Program
The two-year graduate program offers the opportunity to work across teams on a rotation so you can work alongside experienced engineers to deliver a range of world-leading and innovative projects. Following successful completion of the program, graduates are placed into a permanent position within the organisation.
Defence & Space Industry Jobs
Check out the employment pages of some of South Australia’s leading defence and space industry companies to what jobs are available now.