A new WA Government report released today has shown more than 1,000 Western Australians have so far benefited from training opportunities and financial assistance to embark on a career in the State’s defence industry.
The Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia’s Defence Industry report outlined the outcomes to date of the Government’s targeted $35 million investment to grow the defence industry and bolster WA’s trade, para-professional and professional workforce for the defence industry.
“The State Government is committed to growing the defence industry and positioning WA as a leading provider for the nation’s defence requirements,” said Defence Industry Minister, Paul Papalia.
“Our Government has already attracted significant Commonwealth defence projects, which will invest tens of billions of dollars into WA’s economy and create thousands of local jobs over the next two decades.
“The Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia’s Defence Industry report demonstrates the significant gains the State Government has already made to build the skilled workforce the industry needs now and into the future.”
Launched in October 2020, WA’s Defence Industry Incentive has financially supported 68 defence industry employers to train 435 new apprentices in engineering trades, boosting the State’s shipbuilding capacity and capability.
The Defence Industry Veterans Employment Scheme (DIVES) has supported 82 Australian Defence Force veterans to transition to a career in the defence industry, with $5,000 scholarships helping them to cover the costs related to vocational training and university studies.

“This new report highlights the Cook Labor Government’s efforts to date to grow a multi-faceted, highly-skilled defence industry workforce capable of delivering shipbuilding, sustainment and maintenance activities and nuclear-powered submarine sustainment and maintenance work,” said Minister Assisting the Minister for Training and Workforce Development, Hannah Beazley.
“With the industry expected to support 10,000 jobs over the next two decades, the Cook Labor Government remains committed to delivering a range of training initiatives to bolster WA’s defence industry workforce.
“There’s never been a better time to train or upskill for a career in the defence industry, with fee-free training, financial incentives and scholarships on offer to help Western Australians to start a life-long career in the defence industry.”
The Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre has a dedicated Defence Industry Team available to provide students, job seekers, and career changers with one-on-one advice about defence industry training and career pathways. A specialist veterans transition consultant is also on hand to help veterans enhance their employability and prepare for roles in the defence industry.
To read the Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia’s Defence Industry report and learn more about the State’s defence industry visit www.theotherforce.wa.gov.au/delivering-skilled-workforce.