Frigate image: © 2022 BAE Systems Australia. All rights reserved
South Australia is home to more than 400 private defence companies including 7 of the 10 largest defence companies in the world, that have a presence in our state. *
The most significant program of growth in Australia’s history has begun, and the scale of the defence industry projects that our state has secured means we are embarking on a journey of unprecedented opportunity.
TAFE SA is committed to training the growing defence workforce by providing courses that equip individuals with the essential skills required to thrive in this dynamic industry.
More than 80 courses are available, covering areas such as engineering, cyber security, virtual and augmented reality development, human resources, design, electronics, and project management.
Whether you’re still in school, considering a career change, or seeking employment, TAFE SA offers a variety of relevant qualifications to help you reach your career goals.
* Data taken from https://people.defensenews.com/top-100/ for 2024.
Launch your career in South Australia’s expanding defence industry, by connecting with PEER in key sectors of the defence field.
The newly launched Defence Industry Pathways Program is an immersive 12-month traineeship allows you to complete a Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways (52904WA) with TAFE SA while being employed by PEER and hosted by a defence industry business.
This program provides invaluable experience in key areas of the defence sector, including logistics, supply chain management, data management, project management, technical drawing, and engineering fundamentals.
If your focus is on pursuing a career in the shipbuilding industry, whether the interest is in engineering, fabrication, mechanical work, or electrotechnology, TAFE SA’s collaboration with PEER can provide the support needed to reach your career goals.
Expressions of interest are now being accepted for both the Defence Industry Pathways Program and the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways.
You don’t need to join the Navy or wear a uniform to work in the naval shipbuilding industry.
Over the next three decades, Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry will be constructing, maintaining and upgrading a variety of vessels for the Australian Defence Force at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. This includes the Hunter Class Frigates, Hobart Class Air-warfare Destroyers, Collins Class submarines, and SSN-AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
Upgrades are underway at the Osborne shipyard to enable the construction of Australia's next-generation AUKUS submarines, which will be conventionally armed and nuclear-powered. These submarines will be the most advanced and complex vessels ever built, incorporating cutting-edge technologies from the US, UK, and Australia.
As part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program, BAE Systems Australia’s maritime division will construct six state-of-the-art anti-submarine warfare frigates for the Royal Australian Navy.
These significant naval shipbuilding projects will create thousands of job opportunities for South Australians. In the state, you could find yourself working with major companies like ASC Pty Ltd, BAE Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin Australia, and Saab, or with small and medium-sized businesses that supply goods and services to these programs.
The Introduction to Naval Shipbuilding micro-credential short course is designed to give you an overview of the key aspects of the naval shipbuilding industry in Australia.
Embark on an exciting 4-week, self-paced online course (just 3-5 hours per week) that introduces you to key concepts, terminology, vessels, and ship systems. Whether you're new to the industry or looking to expand your knowledge, this course offers a valuable foundation to start your naval shipbuilding journey.
TAFE SA offers the education and training opportunities you need to become a part of the dynamic and expanding defence industry.
View the complete list of defence and naval shipbuilding careers.
Freecall 1800 882 661