Defence Industry Career Pathways for Parents

It’s an important distinction.

The Defence portfolio consists of a number of military and corporate organisations that together are responsible for supporting the defence of Australia and its national interests.

The two most significant bodies are the:

• Australian Defence Force
• Department of Defence

The Australian Defence Force refers our uniformed soldiers, sailors and air personnel that serve in either the Army, Navy or Air Force. These individuals complete various different jobs to protect our country and provide peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance within Australia and overseas.

Defence industry refers to various businesses and their civilian employees who design, create and maintain the state-of-the-art equipment and capabilities used by the Australian Defence Force. Australian defence industry plays a crucial role in national security.

When working in an Australian’s defence industry business, you are provided the opportunity to challenge and hone your skills while working on cutting edge technology. Most Australian defence industry businesses are Australian owned, agile and innovative small to medium businesses that are often viewed as pioneers within their field.

Find out more here

What is Defence Industry?

South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report

2024 Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan

There are multiple pathways that can lead into a career in the defence industry. The two main ways are:

• Studying at university
  or
• Gaining qualifications through the Vocational, Education and Training (VET) sector.

Gaining Qualification through a University

If you choose to study at university the length of your graduate or post graduate studies (like a Masters) will depend on which field you’re choosing.

While you are studying at university you have the opportunity to participate in graduate and internship programs like the Defence Industry Internship Program (DIIP). The DIIP provides Engineering and Technology university students a paid 12 week internship with a defence industry business. Programs like the DIIP allow you to develop valuable practical experience, further your employability skills, gain insight to future careers, and get a foot in the door.

Gaining Qualification through Vocational, Education and Training (VET) sector

On the VET side, gaining an apprenticeship, for example as an Electrician or Mechanical Fitter, or completing a traineeship in something like business administration or supply chain logistics are excellent options.

An apprenticeship typically requires a 3 to 4-year commitment, while a traineeship usually lasts 1 to 2 years.

In Adelaide or Perth, you can apply for a traineeship in the Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP). It’s a 12-month traineeship that includes IT, engineering, and logistics subjects, along with paid work at various defence industry providers.

If you’re based in Perth, you can apply to MEGT to join our rolling intakes. In Adelaide, you need to contact PEER.

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Defence Industry for Students

Job Career - Student Pathways

Defence Industry Internship Program (DIIP)

South Metro TAFE Defence Industry Pathways Program

The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects provide the foundational skills and knowledge for a career in the defence industry.

While other subjects like fine art, drama, philosophy and music are important for personal growth and creativity, they may not directly align with the technical demands of the defence sector.

The type of subjects, and difficulty level you need to study will depend on your future career aspiration. Many university and VET study pathways will have prerequisite subjects you will need to study in your final years of secondary school. Your school careers advisor can assist you in identifying any prerequisite subjects for you chosen career pathway.

Many of the subjects you are studying in secondary school right now could be applied to a future career in the defence industry.

Mathematics

Maths is the foundation of many defence technologies including cryptography, data analysis and engineering calculations. By studying subjects like calculus, statistics, and applied mathematics, you can develop the problem-solving and analytical skills the defence industry needs.

Chemistry

Chemistry plays a crucial role in the development of materials used in the creation and maintenance of items used by the Australian Defence Force.

Understanding chemical reactions and properties can help you contribute to innovations, whether it’s researching sustainable jet fuel, to engineering new paint for vessel hulls to reduce drag and increase their engine’s efficiency.

Digital Technologies

Cybersecurity and information technology are critical to  the safety and security of our nation in the digital age.

By studying computer science, information technology, and cybersecurity, you could work on cutting edge advanced technology. This includes working with software through coding and cybersecurity to protect someone’s personal information, or engineering hardware to improve communication devices and autonomous drones

Physics

Like maths, physics is fundamental to understanding the principles that drive many technologies used in defence industry. This could include items like radar systems to designing a supersonic plane.

Scientific Studies

This encompasses a broad range of disciplines that contribute to defence research and development. Whether it's biology, environmental science, or interdisciplinary studies, a general science background leads to careers in research, development and innovation.

Design, Technology, and Engineering

Disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, civil, and aerospace engineering are at the heart of technology development in defence industry. Courses in design, technology, and engineering can provide many different options on the type of work you could complete in defence industry.

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Australian Government Defence - STEM careers

Which school students need STEM education?

STEM in the WA Curriculum

STEM in the SA Curriculum

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The defence industry relies on many specialised engineering disciplines to develop and maintain the advanced technologies and systems that support our national security.

Nuclear Engineering

Want to be at the cutting edge? You’ll work in the design, development, and maintenance of nuclear reactors and other nuclear systems used in defence applications.

Mechanical Engineering

This discipline focuses on the design, analysis, and manufacturing of sophisticated mechanical systems, such as ships, vehicles, planes and other machinery used by the Australian Defence Force.

Engineering Management

You’ll oversee complex engineering projects, ensuring they’re completed on time, within budget and to the highest standards. Engineering Management demands a solid combination of technical knowledge and leadership skills.

Engineering Assurance

This is about making sure engineering processes and products meet the stringent quality and safety standards demanded by the Department of Defence. That means conducting audits, inspections and testing to verify compliance with regulations and specifications.

Electrical Engineering

Vital to the development and maintenance of electrical systems, Electrical Engineers design and maintain communication networks, radar systems and other electronic equipment used by the Australian Defence Force.

Combat Systems Engineering

This is all about managing the integration and maintenance of various different systems, including sensors, cameras, navigation and other control systems within ships, planes or vehicles used by the Australian Defence Force. This discipline ensures that the systems work together seamlessly, no matter the conditions, to allow the uniformed person to complete their role.

Safety Engineering

Your work will focus on identifying and mitigating risks associated with the systems and roles completed by the Australian Defence Force. Safety engineers work to ensure all systems and processes are safe for personnel and the environment. This can include improving the materials being used to prevent injury and potentially save people’s lives.

This is the defence industry front line. Operations specialists take the things Engineers design and operate and keep them running smoothly on a day-to-day basis.

Fabrication Operations

Mostly the work of Boilermakers and skilled Welders, fabrication involves the manufacture and assembly of components and systems to be used by the Australian Defence Force. It requires precision and attention to detail to ensure all parts meet required specifications.

Mechanical Operations

This includes the maintenance and repair of mechanical systems, such as vehicles and machinery. Operators like Mechanical Fitters need a strong understanding of mechanical principles to troubleshoot and fix issues quickly.

Electrical Operations

As a trades qualified Electrician, you’ll be familiar with all kinds of electrical systems, including wiring, circuits, and electronic components, with a talent for diagnosing and repairing electrical faults to ensure all systems function correctly.

Operators

These all-rounders are responsible for running and maintaining various types of defence equipment and machinery. They need to be proficient in operating complex systems and ensuring that they run smoothly and safely.

Purchasing and Subcontracts

You’ll manage the procurement of materials and services needed for defence projects. This requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage contracts effectively.

Piping Operations

This discipline focuses on the installation and maintenance of piping systems used in critical defence applications. This includes ensuring all pipes are correctly installed and maintained to prevent leaks and other issues.

Nuclear Operations

A field at the forefront of Australia’s next generation defence industry, you’ll have the specialised knowledge and expertise needed to ensure the safe and effective operation of nuclear systems.

Inventory, Warehouse and Logistics

This area involves managing the storage and distribution of materials and equipment. It requires strong organisational skills and the ability to manage resources efficiently.

Effective program management is crucial for the successful execution of every project.

Finance

Managing the financial aspects of a project, including budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting, ensures that projects are completed within budget and financial resources are used efficiently.

Corporate Management

Leaders, strategic planners and key decision makers, defence industry Corporate Executives play a vital role in setting the direction for projects and ensuring they align with the overall goals and objectives of the organisation.

Project Management

One of the key roles in defence industry, Project Managers plan, organise and oversee projects from inception to completion. They need to be adept at coordinating teams, managing timelines, and ensuring all project deliverables are met to the required standards.

Effective supply chain management is crucial for ensuring that the defence industry operates smoothly and efficiently.

Project Scheduling

Schedulers manage the costs associated with defence projects and ensure they stay within budget. Additionally, scheduling skills are necessary to ensure that all project milestones are met on time and resources are allocated efficiently.

Commercial Management

Commercial Managers handle negotiations, manage contracts and forge relationships with suppliers and vendors. Strong commercial skills ensure that the defence industry can procure the necessary materials and services at the best possible terms, contributing to the overall success of defence projects.

As the name suggests, support staff are crucial to the seamless operation of the defence industry. Essential skill areas include security, information technology, administration and human resources. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that the defence industry functions effectively.

Security

For the defence industry, protection of highly sensitive information, assets and personnel is paramount. This involves enforcing physical security measures, cybersecurity protocols and risk management strategies. Security professionals work to prevent unauthorised access, detect potential threats, and respond to security incidents.

Information Technology (IT)

Defence industry IT professionals are responsible for maintaining and supporting highly sensitive computer systems, networks and software applications. They ensure that all technological resources function correctly and securely and provide technical support to users.

Administration

Administrative professionals handle day-to-day tasks such as correspondence, record-keeping and office management. They ensure all administrative processes run smoothly and efficiently, supporting the overall functioning of the organisation.

Human Resources

HR professionals are responsible for recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. They also handle employee relations, benefits administration, and compliance with labour laws. HR plays a crucial role in ensuring the defence industry has a highly skilled and motivated workforce.