South Australia’s defence and space sectors take centre stage at inaugural careers showcase

South Australia’s defence and space sectors were front and centre last week at the inaugural Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase, held as part of the 2025 Adelaide Careers & Employment Expo at the Showgrounds.

With more than 17,000 students, educators, and job seekers attending across the two-day event, the Showcase highlighted the state’s growing role as a national hub for high-tech innovation, offering a hands-on introduction to some of the most advanced and future-focussed industries in the country.

The dedicated defence and space pavilion featured more than 20 leading defence and space companies, along with specialist education providers, giving attendees a chance to explore careers in areas like naval shipbuilding, spacecraft design, aerospace, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Supashock Founder & CEO Oscar Fiorinotto said that the Showcase was the perfect setting to demonstrate the company’s work and inspire the next generation of talent to consider a career in the sector.

“South Australia is leading the way in defence and space innovation,” said Fiorinotto.

“Supashock is proud to play a role in building sovereign capability and advanced technologies that support both local and global demands.”

From submarine sustainment to space exploration, the defence and space sectors are expanding rapidly in South Australia, creating thousands of career opportunities across engineering, trades, data analytics, and advanced manufacturing.

“There has never been a better time for South Australians to pursue a career in defence and space,” said Minister for Defence and Space Industries Stephen Mullighan.

“Events like this highlight the exciting and rapidly growing career pathways available in these cutting-edge industries.”

Among the key exhibitors was ASC, which is responsible for sustaining the Royal Australian Navy’s Collins class submarines and will play a crucial role in building the next generation of conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.

“People joining ASC today, and in the next 10 years, can look forward to a lifelong career in multi-class submarine sustainment, and being part of the team delivering Australia’s most complex and challenging defence industrial endeavour, ever,” said ASC CEO and Managing Director Stuart Whiley.

The Showcase delivered a clear message: defence and space aren’t just industries of the future. There are well paid, long-term, rewarding careers available today for South Australians ready to step up.

With South Australia playing a leading role in national defence and space strategy, opportunities will continue to grow for those looking to launch careers in some of the world’s most advanced and innovative fields.

South Australia’s defence industry is forecast to grow to more than 11,000 workers by the 2040s, driving strong demand for STEM-qualified professionals, including engineers and technicians. Additionally, there will be numerous opportunities in fields such as logistics and project management.

The Defence and Space Industry Careers Showcase is a key deliverable of the South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan, a joint initiative of the Australian and South Australian governments.