New campaign to attract Western Australians to defence jobs

Media release
New campaign launched to attract workers to careers in WA's defence industry as part of a $18.34 million package to continue building the defence manufacturing workforce.
Last updated:
Defence Campaign Launch at AMC 13 Dec 2020

The Western Australian Government has launched 'The Other Force' campaign to raise awareness of the job opportunities and career pathways available in Western Australia's defence industry. This campaign will inspire women, veterans, young people, jobseekers and career changers to take advantage of the job opportunities created by the $18.34 million maritime defence industry workforce package.

Promoting the diverse, exciting and secure jobs offered by the defence industry is an important part of the WA Government's work to continue building the skilled workforce needed to support upcoming defence projects and secure future maritime defence work, expected to be valued at up to $75 billion nationally over the next decade.

The campaign is complemented by the establishment of 7 new maritime defence industry TAFE courses which will contribute to a 'defence ready' workforce to bolster WA's defence industry and support maritime defence contracts.

The new $3.3 million TAFE short course package was developed in consultation with industry to meet the skills in demand and courses are available through South Metropolitan TAFE.

The campaign is also supported by several other initiatives including:

  • $8.5 million for $20,000 incentives for defence industry employers to train apprentices in key trades
  • $2.85 million to train an additional 335 apprenticeships in nominated trades
  • further investment in scholarships for women and the creation of the Defence Industry Veterans' Employment Scheme, and facilities upgrades at South Metropolitan TAFE. 

For further information about the defence initiatives, please visit the Jobs and Skills WA website.