South Australian Government Grants to Build Workforce Skills in the Defence Industry
The South Australian Government is supporting businesses in the defence industry to build their future workforce capabilities through a new flagship program linking university students with industry.


Host Companies – Placement Opportunities
Small and medium sized businesses can access grants of up to $2,500 to support the placement of eligible university students for periods of three to six months in roles such as engineering design and digital transformation.
As an employer in the defence industry, you can tap into the skills and knowledge of penultimate and final year university students completing a degree in a defence relevant science, technology, engineering and/or maths field.
By supporting the placement of these high-calibre students, you can build your future workforce, enhance your company’s innovation and research capacity, and grow the quality of expertise of graduates emerging from our universities.
Participating students will receive a scholarship grant to cover the costs associated with their placement, including transport, accommodation, work-specific attire, study materials and other related expenses.
The South Australian Defence Industry Connection Program is designed to support the defence industry and its suppliers to build the in-demand skills, knowledge and experience through work-based learning opportunities for university students and addressing areas of skill shortage.
The Australian Industry Group is delivering this program on behalf of the South Australian Government.
How to Advertise a Placement
We have updated the process to make it easier for host companies to advertise placement opportunities.
Step 1: Contact our DICP Project Officers at dicp@aigroup.com.au to initiate the placement process.
Step 2: After discussing your opportunity, we will email you the Placement Advertisement Form.
Step 3: Our team will review the details and post the placement opportunity on your behalf. For any queries, please contact us at dicp@aigroup.com.au.
An employer guide to work activities for students
Ai Group has produced this advice for companies looking to place higher education students within their organisation. From how to get started to frequently asked questions, this is an invaluable resource for all host companies engaging universities for research or project work.
Advice from the Fair Work Ombudsman regarding student placements
The Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman has produced a fact sheet for employers providing vocational placements to students.