The Department of Training and Workforce Development has linked with the State’s Defence industry to support military veterans wanting to continue their Defence industry careers in non-service roles.
According to the Department, eligible veterans will be able to apply for at least 80 scholarships of up to $5,000 through the Defence Industry Veterans Employment Scheme Scholarship Program.
It said the program was part of a broader $18.34 million package designed to build Defence’s manufacturing workforce, ensuring Western Australia is well positioned to take on opportunities across all the Defence domains.
The package also includes financial incentives for employers, new maritime Defence industry TAFE courses and facilities upgrades at South Metropolitan TAFE.
Announcing the program, Premier, Mark McGowan said every year about 300 Australian Defence Force members transitioned to civilian life and settled in western Australia.
“The transition from service life to civilian employment can be difficult without structured pathways,” Mr McGowan said.
“In many cases, veterans need to undertake additional study or training to gain access to other career pathways in the Defence industry.”
He said the partnership with industry in this scholarship program would enable the Department to support Defence veterans to enter engineering trades and upskill into non-trade Defence industry careers.
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said that as a key provider to Defence industry training, South Metropolitan TAFE was ideally placed to train the next generation of Defence personnel.
“The Defence Industry Team based at the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre is available to support people on their chosen career pathway, specialising in careers and training for the maritime Defence industry,” Ms Ellery said.
More information about the opportunities can be accessed from the Department’s website at this PS News link.
