Strengthening Australia’s Defence Workforce
Australia’s Defence Industry is growing rapidly, and finding then supporting the next generation of skilled workers is crucial.
Through our involvement with the Defence Industry Pathways Program, MEGT works closely with Defence-accredited employers to connect emerging talent who are Defence-industry ready — while providing ongoing coaching and guidance to both trainees and host employers.
To better understand how the Defence Industry Pathways Program is supporting employers and building a future-ready workforce, we spoke with Chloe Baxter, State Service Delivery Manager (WA).
What’s MEGT’s role in the Defence Industry Pathways Program?
“By MEGT leveraging its experience in harnessing skills through vocational education, we are able to employ and support these trainees in learning, gaining and applying the skills they need to become Defence-industry ready. We oversee their performance, training progress and workplace skill development, while helping them understand the key principles and expectations of working in Defence.
The program allows employers to build a pipeline of future talent, while giving trainees exposure to different work environments, business operations and job types before they commit to a long-term career pathway.”
Why does the Defence accreditation matter?
“Our Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) accreditation gives employers confidence that we operate to Defence-approved audit, privacy and security standards. It means we can provide Defence-industry ready employees who understand the security requirements of the sector.”
How does MEGT work with the industry and TAFE
“We work closely with employers to understand emerging workforce needs, where skills shortages exist and how contract growth impacts staffing. We take the time to understand each business — their teams, priorities and how they plan to grow their workforce.”
How does MEGT support employers and trainees?
“For employers, we provide advice to supervisors who may be managing trainees for the first time. We support grant and funding applications, remove the risk of non-committed talent and help alleviate workforce pressures without creating additional cost. We also support employers through challenging placements and help elevate their brand within the Defence industry. MEGT has also facilitated connecting employers with one another for future work opportunities.
We help trainees build their professional reputation, develop employment readiness skills and connect with key decision-makers. We also provide coaching and access to mental health and wellbeing support to help them stay on track.”
What is the impact across Defence?
“Capturing talent early to help future proof critical skills has been vital as the industry grows. We have extended our capabilities to the School Based Defence Program, which is providing exposure to the industry at Year 11 & Year 12.”
Why should employers partner with MEGT?
“Employers can develop talent organically in a low-risk, commercially safe way. It allows them to test and shape early-career roles, trial candidates before committing long-term, and free up experienced staff to focus on higher-priority work.”
Discover more about MEGT’s Defence Industry Pathways Program here.