Applications are now open for a new scholarship program to support veterans to embark on careers in Western Australia’s defence industry.
Current Australian Defence Force (ADF) members and veterans looking to transition into the State’s defence industry can now apply for the State Government’s $400,000 Defence Industry Veterans Employment Scheme (DIVES) scholarship program .
WA’s defence industry offers diverse careers across trade, paraprofessional, professional and specialist roles, making it an ideal fit for ADF veterans who have a range of transferable skills and experience aligned with the industry. Importantly, a defence industry career enables ADF veterans to continue contributing to Australia’s national sovereignty.
The scholarship – valued at up to $5,000 – will help cover costs related to vocational education or university qualifications relevant to defence industry careers, helping recipients to build on their existing skills and gain new qualifications aligned with WA’s workforce needs.
Scholarship recipients will also have access to free specialist career planning support with the Defence Industry Team at the Jobs and Skills Centre based at South Metropolitan TAFE’s Rockingham campus.
ADF veterans and current serving members, who are separating from the ADF within the next six months, can apply for one of 20 scholarships which are available in 2026/27.
The DIVES scholarship program is an initiative of the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence (DISCE) and is delivered with the support of the Rockingham Jobs and Skills Centre and Defence West. The DISCE is a joint initiative between the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the National Skills Agreement. The DISCE is led by South Metropolitan TAFE.
The State Government has also launched the Defence Industry Skills website to showcase career, training and workforce development opportunities in Western Australia’s growing defence industry.
Defence Industry Skills is a one-stop online resource for Western Australians – at any point in their career journey – to learn about WA’s defence industry and the career opportunities available. For employers, it provides information on the support available to help build and grow their workforce.
The website leverages the work of the DISCE, which is focused on leading the design and development of training programs for the defence industry’s emerging skills needs to ensure WA has a growing pipeline of skilled workers to deliver current and Defence work.
Read the full media statement .
