Concept art of the planned Hunter-class frigate being built at Adelaide’s Osborne Naval Shipyard. Image: BAE Systems.
The Federal Government has committed $5.1 million to deliver a STEM learning pathway for students in South Australia and Western Australia into the Defence industry.
The Federation Funding Agreement with the two state governments will deliver the Schools Pathways Program (SPP) to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning in schools and pathways for students to pursue a future career in Australia’s defence industry sector.
Through the SPP, students will gain defence industry experience through activities such as project-based learning, industry visits, presentations and challenges, and will also have the opportunity to connect with mentors and networks of skilled defence industry professionals.
In conjunction with the student learning, the Federal Government says professional development opportunities and practical information will also be provided to teachers and carers to support discussions with students about their career pathways.
Future workforces in South Australia and Western Australia will be vital to the future success of Australia’s defence industry, as both states host major and growing shipbuilding industries.
Federal Minister for Education Jason Clare said Australia needed more young people studying STEM subjects in schools and developing skills for a future workforce.
“This program will ensure more Australians have the opportunity to follow their passions in STEM and develop the technical skills we need in national security and defence,” he said.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said the SPP provided practical career awareness activities for secondary school students and created links between schools and the defence industry.
“Our critical national defence projects, including conventionally armed, nuclear‑powered submarines, are delivered by a highly educated, highly trained workforce with cutting-edge skills and capabilities,” Mr Conroy said.
“The SPP is an instrumental mechanism in Defence’s strategic approach to ensuring a highly skilled workforce pipeline to support future defence industry needs.”
South Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills Blair Boyer said the state had a big job ahead to significantly increase its skilled workforce to meet the demands of the defence industry.
“The Schools Pathway program will support our young people by providing an understanding of the defence industry and the various careers available to them as part of the sector,” Mr Boyer said.
“We want students and apprentices to know they can start their journey to a career in the defence industry while still at school, getting qualifications that will get them a job when they finish their SACE.”
Western Australia’s Minister for Education Dr Tony Buti said the defence industry was a priority sector for the state, and contributed an estimated $3 billion each year to its economy and directly employed about 3000 people.
“The School Pathways Program is an exciting initiative that will open new opportunities for WA students, inspiring them to pursue careers in the defence industry, and develop critical and transferrable knowledge and skills,” Dr Buti said.
“With a strong foundation in STEM education, we are preparing our students for jobs of the future and ensuring that our state continues to be a leader in innovation and technology, aided by hands-on learning experiences and mentoring.”
