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Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy has announced over $11 million in grants to support STEM education and career pathways in the defence industry.
This initiative, part of the Schools Pathways Program, aims to equip students with critical skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to meet the nation’s strategic and national security needs.
Ten new grants will fund organisations collaborating with schools and educational institutions to deliver innovative STEM programs, fostering a highly skilled workforce essential for Australia’s defence capabilities.
Minister Conroy said, “The Albanese government recognises the essential contributions that Australian businesses and educational institutions make in developing the talent pipeline needed for our defence industry.
Key grant allocations include:
- WithYouWithMe, $1.9 million: Supports the Defence Industry Pathways Program, engaging millions of students, parents and teachers and providing 3,300 students with access to information sessions, skill-mapping and mentoring for defence industry careers.
- Australian Remote Operations for Space and Earth Ltd, $1.7 million: Funds the AVISTA program, reaching 200 schools with hands-on STEM activities, virtual reality experiences and defence career summits.
- MEGT Australia, $397,493: Supports school-based traineeships and apprenticeships in naval shipbuilding and the broader defence industry in Adelaide and Perth.
- Fleet Space Technologies, $1.6 million: LaunchBox program provides teacher-led classroom lessons and works with students to build and launch an educational satellite.
- Technology for Education Solutions, $536,243: Funds the Beacon Pathways program where South Australian students solve real-world problems using virtual reality, 3D modelling and coding.
Minister Conroy said, “The Schools Pathways Program and our partnerships with industry and the education sector are key to ensuring students gain the skills required for the advanced, high-tech jobs of tomorrow.”
The funding aligns with the government’s 2024 Defence Industry Development Strategy, reinforcing its commitment to developing a strong STEM-capable workforce through partnerships across government, universities and industry.
“With these grants, we are supporting the defence industry by strengthening our nation’s future STEM workforce and continuing our investment in a future made in Australia,” Minister Conroy added.
Further details on all awarded grants can be found on the GrantConnect here.
