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
Small and medium sized businesses can access grants of up to $4,500 to support the placement of eligible university students for periods of three to six months in roles as diverse as logistics, project management, engineering design and digital transformation.
As an employer in the defence industry, you can tap into the skills and knowledge of leading third-year and honours year university students completing a degree in science, technology, engineering and maths or business (majoring in project management or logistics) in South Australia.
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 Scholarship 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.
Expressions of interest are currently being sought for 2023.
How university students can help improve your business during the COVID-19 pandemic
Ai Group, in partnership with the Australian Collaborative Education Network, has developed advice for companies taking on university students during the global pandemic.
Find out how working online or remotely can replace face-to-face research or work learning placements, or how you can fill skills gaps caused by COVID-19:
If your company is seeking advice or assistance in relation to the defence industry, please visit these websites:
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.
Working Securely with Defence: A Guide to Defence
Working Securely with Defence is a guide to Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) membership and is designed to help any business or organisation that would like to work with or expand their engagement with Defence and Defence industry.
Developed by the Security Working Group of the Ai Group Defence Council in cooperation with the Department of Defence, the purpose of the guide is to:
- provide the pathway for your business to become eligible for classified and sensitive Defence work through participation in the DISP;
- provide practical guidance, tools and expert advice to help protect Australian organisations from a range of security threats;
- help build the competitiveness and security resilience of the Defence industry sector through good security practices; and
- assure international investors and partners of industry’s commitment to Defence security.
For more information about the South Australian defence industry scholarship program, an information session for industry was held and recorded on 1 March 2023. For further information, please contact defence.scholarships@aigroup.com.au