The Government has announced its Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27, describing it as a blueprint to build a strong and sustainable local Defence industry which would support the sector’s workforce and diversify Western Australia’s economy.
Premier, Mark McGowan said the plan had been developed through the Department of Training and Workforce Development’s Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office.
Co-signatories comprised Government Agencies, Team WA universities, TAFE, and unions working with the State’s Defence industry and peak representative bodies.
“A key focus of the plan is boosting WA’s capability to develop a pipeline of skilled professional and para-professional Defence industry workers, including university graduates and skilled trade workers,” Mr McGowan said.
“It will guide the State Government’s work with the Commonwealth Government, industry, and education and training sectors to further strengthen the State’s Defence industry skills and capabilities.”
He said the Defence industry was playing an increasingly important role in the State’s economy and economic diversification.
“Through the Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27, my Government is taking its already significant work to support and grow our Defence industry workforce to the next level,” the Premier said.
“WA’s united team approach of Government, industry, and tertiary sectors working together will ensure our State continues to be a strong contender for Defence projects as we continue to build the skilled and diverse workforce needed to deliver them.”
Minister for Education and Training, Sue Ellery said attracting future Defence work required a workforce recognised as one of the most highly educated, qualified, and skilled of its type in the world.
“Western Australia’s education and training system is ready to meet this challenge as evidenced by the valuable contribution of the WA universities and TAFE to the development and implementation of this plan,” Ms Ellery said.
“Thanks to the commitment and shared vision of this plan’s co-signatories, we have a solid roadmap for collaboration, and to drive our investment in the skilled Defence industry workforce further.”
The 19-page Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022-27 can be accessed at this PS News link.
