Western Australia’s defence industry workforce has received a boost, with a new initiative launched to support upskilling of workers into critical roles. Employers across the defence industry can now access the Defence Industry Existing Worker Incentive (DIEWI), which provides financial assistance of up to $6,375 to offer existing workers the opportunity to upskill through an existing worker traineeship.
The new $1.08 million program will support the career progression of 120 existing workers into para-professional and professional roles, equipping them with the vital skills needed to meet the demands of technological advances across the industry.
Existing worker traineeships are available in three key industry qualifications, including:
- Certificate IV in Cyber Security;
- Diploma of Applied Technologies (Applied Technologies Technician); and
- Diploma of Engineering – Technical (Engineering Draftsperson).
All three qualifications are also heavily subsidised through the McGowan Government’s successful lower fees, local skills program, which is keeping training affordable and accessible across a range of in-demand occupations.
As WA continues to prepare for current and future defence work, the importance of occupations such as engineers, technicians and cyber security and ICT professionals to this growing sector has never been clearer.
Through the Western Australian Defence and Defence Industries Strategic Plan, the government has committed to making defence a priority sector, recognising its significant potential for contributing to economic diversification and job creation in WA.
The new DIEWI is among the $11 million worth of initiatives in the 2022-23 State Budget aimed at boosting WA’s defence-ready workforce, which will help to deliver a pipeline of skilled workers for this priority sector. It also builds on the McGowan Government’s previous $18 million investment in building WA’s defence industry capabilities and trades workforce.
The defence industry existing worker traineeship program is delivered by South Metropolitan TAFE, which is the largest defence industry training provider in the State, and has the ability to customise training to meet sector needs.
Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery said “Western Australia’s world-leading defence industry plays a vital role in the State’s economy and economic diversification. This new initiative will help build the skilled defence workforce required for the future, by supporting career progression of existing workers into critical roles. This is a great opportunity for WA businesses to take up the new financial incentive to upskill their workers, as well as existing employees looking to advance their careers, and take on new opportunities.”
Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said “The McGowan Government is committed to growing WA’s defence industry, and ensuring the state harnesses its competitive advantages. We continue to increase support for the sector as part of our work to diversify WA’s economy. Western Australia is home to some of the world’s most innovative defence suppliers, and the Defence Industry Existing Worker Incentive will help businesses to maintain their competitive edge and strong workforces, amid technological advances across the industry.”
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