New campaign to attract Western Australians to defence jobs

A new campaign will inspire women, veterans, young people, jobseekers and career changers to take advantage of the job opportunities created by the McGowan Labor Government’s $18.34 million maritime defence industry workforce package.

The McGowan Government today launched ‘The Other Force’ campaign to raise awareness of the job opportunities and career pathways available in Western Australia’s defence industry.

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

The campaign is complemented by the establishment of seven 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 industry skill demand and courses are available through South Metropolitan TAFE.

Matilda Hobbins, third year South Metropolitan TAFE marine fabrication apprentice, is profiled in the advertising campaign and encourages others to embark on a rewarding career in defence manufacturing.

Employed as a marine fabricator at Austal, the 25 year-old says she has been well supported as a woman in a male-dominated industry and there is nothing like working with your hands and seeing your individual contribution come together to build a ship. 

Beginning December 13, ahead of TAFE Semester 1, 2021 enrolments closing, the campaign will feature on digital, radio, print and social media advertising channels across WA.

The campaign is also supported by several other initiatives including:

• $8.5 million for $20,000 incentives for defence manufacturing industry employers to train apprentices in key trades;
• $2.85 million to train an additional 335 apprenticeships in nominated trades; and
• Further investment in scholarships for women and Defence veterans, and facilities upgrades at South Metropolitan TAFE. 

For further information about the defence initiatives, please visit the Jobs and Skills WA website at https://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/defence

As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:

“There are huge opportunities for Western Australians to take up jobs in the maritime defence industry, and we want to make sure they are aware of the wide range of career and training options available.

“This campaign builds on our efforts to strengthen WA’s defence workforce through the $18.34 million workforce package as part of the WA Recovery Plan.

“We are supercharging WA’s defence manufacturing industry to create vital employment and training opportunities for Western Australians.

“Our Government is committed to attracting defence projects to Western Australia and working with industry to build a trained and skilled workforce to meet the demand of current and future jobs in the defence sector.”

As stated by Defence Issues Minister Paul Papalia:

“WA’s defence industry is world-leading, and this package will ensure Western Australians continue to be in the box seat to take advantage of the opportunities on offer.

“We already have a highly skilled and highly capable defence workforce but this new workforce package again demonstrates that Western Australia is primed to take on more work like Full Cycle Docking submarine maintenance as soon as Defence Minister Linda Reynolds makes a decision.

“There’s never been a better time for Western Australians to embark on a rewarding long-term career in the defence industry.”

As stated by Education and Training Minister Sue Ellery:

“A job in defence means a diverse, rewarding and long-term career.

“It’s important to shine a light on the opportunities the defence industry offers and provide affordable and high quality training options to get Western Australians there.

“South Metropolitan TAFE has a long established relationship with the defence industry and expertise in defence-related training so Western Australians will be trained to industry-standard to take up the job opportunities available.”