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More engineering students will be provided with an opportunity to gain experience in the defence sector under the expanded government-backed internship program.
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An additional 360 training places are expected to be available for engineering students exploring a career in the defence space following the Commonwealth government’s decision to expand the Defence Industry Internship Program.
Third and fourth-year engineering students can now compete for 120 places provided each year through to 2025-26, funded by a new $14.4 million commitment from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
A target of at least 40 per cent female participation has also been set in a bid to balance gender representation in the defence workforce.
Prime Minister Morrison said the funding boost would help prepare the nation’s workforce for the $270 billion investment in sovereign defence capability over the decade.
“Through our $270 billion investment in building our sovereign defence capability we are creating jobs and securing a stronger economy and a stronger future,” the Prime Minister said.
“We are determined to break down the barriers that stop girls and women studying engineering and other STEM subjects and help them take advantage of the future jobs boom that our defence investment is creating.
“Bolstering the number of Australians skilled in these important jobs, particularly engineers, is a key part of our economic plan and our plan to keep Australians safe.”
Specifically, the program is expected to facilitate 12-week internships with defence industry micro, small and medium businesses, with over 60 firms across the country already involved.
Almost half of the 2020-21 cohort of interns were offered continued employment with their host business, while an additional 15 per cent are being considered for future positions upon completion of their degrees.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price noted the importance of the initiative in preparing the defence industry for the future.
“We are determined to ensure we have an Australian workforce with the right skills to build here at home the capabilities, products and services our ADF needs to keep us safe,” Minister Price said.
“The Defence Industry Internship Program is helping us deliver this workforce and I am thrilled that it will now include more women.
“Interns taking part in the program are exposed to innovative technology and equipment that many university students simply do not get the chance to engage with.”
[Related: Defence boosts evolved Cape Class order]
