University students currently enrolled and undertaking third-year or honours year studies in STEM are now able to apply for an exciting scholarship placement with a local defence company.

The South Australian Government’s Defence Industry Scholarship Program provides students with grants of up to $10,000 which can be used to support expenses associated with the placement.

The program is designed to support the defence industry to build in-demand skills, knowledge and experience, through work-based learning opportunities for university students and addressing key skills demand areas.

Defence SA Chief Executive Richard Price said the program, now in its fourth year, had already been very successful.

“We have found this program to be a real pathway into the well-paid defence industry,” said Richard. “Around 80 per cent of students have gone on to continue work with their host employer.”

“Ensuring we have the workforce in place for upcoming defence programs in South Australia is our number one priority. We’re looking at more than 10,000 additional jobs in the state over the next decade across naval shipbuilding and other high-tech areas such as information warfare and space.”

Paolo Damante from AiGroup, which manages the program on behalf of Defence SA, added that there will be two intakes for the 2023 calendar year.

“We are actively recruiting now for students to participate in the program, with placements to commence in December 2022 or in the New Year,” said Paolo.

“We will do another intake in around May next year to coincide with the second semester of the university year, with many students keen to do placements in the final semester of their studies.

“A number of fantastic companies are already on board with the program, so I encourage students to apply now for an unprecedented opportunity to gain defence industry experience before graduating.

“Companies interested in supporting placement of these high calibre students are also welcome to get in touch with us for a real opportunity to build your future workforce capability.”

For more information or to apply, visit the AiGroup website.

Image: [L to R] Scott Begbie – Managing Director APC Technology, Eliza Bastian – 2021 scholarship program winner and Brandon Sears – Scholarship Recipient at APC.