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The West Australian government has launched a new campaign to inspire women, veterans, young people, jobseekers and career changers to take advantage of the job opportunities created by the McGowan Labor government’s $18.34 million maritime defence industry workforce package.
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The WA government launched 'The Other Force' campaign to raise awareness of the job opportunities and career pathways available in Western Australia's defence industry.
Promoting the diverse, exciting and secure jobs offered by the defence industry is an important part of the state government's work to continue building the skilled workforce needed to support upcoming defence projects and secure future defence work, expected to be valued at up to $75 billion nationally over the next decade.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said, “There are huge opportunities for Western Australians to take up jobs in the maritime defence industry, and we want to make sure they are aware of the wide range of career and training options available.
“This campaign builds on our efforts to strengthen WA's defence workforce through the $18.34 million workforce package as part of the WA Recovery Plan.”
The campaign is complemented by the establishment of seven new maritime defence industry TAFE courses, which will contribute to a 'defence ready' workforce to bolster WA's defence industry and support maritime defence contracts.
WA Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia added, “WA's defence industry is world-leading, and this package will ensure Western Australians continue to be in the box seat to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.”
The new $3.3 million TAFE short course package was developed in consultation with industry to meet industry skill demand and courses are available through South Metropolitan TAFE.
“We already have a highly skilled and highly capable defence workforce but this new workforce package again demonstrates that Western Australia is primed to take on more work like Full Cycle Docking submarine maintenance as soon as Defence Minister Linda Reynolds makes a decision,” Minister Papalia said.
Matilda Hobbins, third year South Metropolitan TAFE marine fabrication apprentice, is profiled in the advertising campaign and encourages others to embark on a rewarding career in defence manufacturing.
Employed as a marine fabricator at Austal, the 25-year-old said she has been well supported as a woman in a male-dominated industry and there is nothing like working with your hands and seeing your individual contribution come together to build a ship.
Beginning on 13 December, ahead of TAFE Semester 1, 2021 enrolments closing, the campaign will feature on digital, radio, print and social media advertising channels across WA.
WA Minister for Education and Training Sue Ellery said, “A job in defence means a diverse, rewarding and long-term career.”
The campaign is also supported by several other initiatives, including:
- $8.5 million for $20,000 incentives for defence manufacturing industry employers to train apprentices in key trades;
- $2.85 million to train an additional 335 apprenticeships in nominated trades; and
- Further investment in scholarships for women and Defence veterans, and facilities upgrades at South Metropolitan TAFE.
“It's important to shine a light on the opportunities the defence industry offers and provide affordable and high quality training options to get Western Australians there,” Minister Ellery added.
“South Metropolitan TAFE has a long established relationship with the defence industry and expertise in defence-related training so Western Australians will be trained to industry-standard to take up the job opportunities available.”
