PRP Manufacturing, an SA based engineering firm, was recently awarded a Defence Global Competitiveness grant to increase capability and capacity to supply defence-related work to the global market. The grant has enabled PRP to purchase and commission an advanced 5-axis flatbed CNC workstation. The equipment, due to arrive in September, will assist with current defence contracts, including the recently awarded gasket contract for BAE Systems Australia’s Hunter Class Frigate Program, and also extend capability in specialised component manufacturing for global customers. PRP Manufacturing Chief Operating Officer Luke Sernecki is thrilled with the outcome. “The grant has been a fantastic reward ...

South Australia will boast a strong presence at Indo Pacific 2022, with more than 50 high-profile companies, research and education providers on board to demonstrate the state’s expertise in defence and naval shipbuilding during the three-day event. A broad range of SMEs and primes will be the centrepiece of The South Australia – The Defence State stand, which also highlights the state’s education sector, with TAFE SA and the state’s three universities, The University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University of South Australia, featuring on the stand. South Australia’s leading organisation for fostering defence-research collaborations, the Defence Innovation Partnership, ...

Five South Australian companies were among 19 businesses across the country to receive Federal Government funding to develop their innovative ideas and technologies to strengthen the nation’s Defence capabilities.  Local companies RFTEQ, Arkwright Technologies, Daronmont Technologies, Prism Systems and Mincham secured over $10 million in contracts through the Australian Government’s Defence Innovation Hub program. Announced earlier this month, the funding will enable the companies to fast-track the development of a broad range of technologies for Defence, including next-generation electronic warfare capabilities, a deployable payload delivery system, and a vibration monitoring system for Navy vessels. South Australia company RFTEQ, which produces ...

In a major boost to the state’s defence manufacturing capability, two South Australian defence suppliers are joining forces to offer a comprehensive suite of integrated design and engineering services for a range of customers, including Defence. South Australia’s Toolcraft Australia, which specialises in complex mechanical system integration, is merging with local company Mitchell & Cheesman to deliver significantly expanded advanced manufacturing and technology development capabilities. Established in 1957, Mitchell & Cheesman brings an extensive range of design, engineering and manufacturing services for precision tooling, jigs and fixtures. Complimentary capabilities include metal component pressing, fabrication and surface finishing. Toolcraft General Manager ...

When the global specialist valve designer and manufacturer IMI Critical Engineering was looking for a site for its Australian expansion, company leaders sought a place where they could be connected into a hub with similar companies working on major projects. The UK-based company found it at Adelaide’s Lot Fourteen. IMI Critical Engineering marine market manager Spencer Jenner says the move to Lot Fourteen this year was a strategic choice to engage with industry leaders. “It was a very conscious decision,” he says. “From our point of view, getting connected to all the right people was a big part of how ...

The latest apprentice and trainee data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows a strong increase in the number of defence sector apprentices and trainees in South Australia over the last 12 months. As at 30 September 2021, there were 5,360 apprentices and trainees in-training in trades relevant to the defence sector – an increase of 28.5% from the previous year’s figures. In addition, apprenticeship completions in the same period almost doubled from 510 to 1,015. As part of this, commencement of apprenticeships and traineeships in Engineering, ICT and Science Technician roles more than doubled during this ...

A collaboration between Flinders University and global tech leader Cisco will see South Australia’s Tonsley Innovation District expand to feature a hub designed to help small and medium enterprises solve real-world business challenges. Innovation Central Adelaide (ICA) will provide an opportunity for South Australian companies to navigate digital transformation and advanced manufacturing through an open innovation ecosystem. Offering organisations access to world-class facilities, the ICA will be designed to nurture innovation through the use of advanced digital design and visualisation technologies including robotics, rapid prototyping, simulation, and high-tech visualisation technologies that would otherwise be beyond their reach. Flinders’ Pro Vice-Chancellor ...

BAE Systems Maritime Australia has partnered with Careers Centre Alliance to manage recruitment for the Hunter class frigate program being designed and built at Osborne Naval Shipyard. A partnership between the Indigenous Defence Infrastructure Consortium and Randstad Australia, the Careers Centre Alliance will utilise existing systems and talent pools to deliver an end-to-end recruitment solution for BAE Systems. Over the next five years, up to 900 trade and production workers will be required for the prototyping and construction of the nine anti-submarine warfare frigates. The recruitment process will be seeking welders, electricians, pipe fitters, pipe welders, mechanical fitters, trade assistants, ...

Four South Australians are among the latest cohort of graduates to join global defence company Nova Systems and gain the vital skills and experience needed to pursue a career in the defence industry. The South Australian-based company, which focuses on providing engineering and technology solutions for Defence and other sectors, recently on-boarded 34 new graduates nationally as part of its award-winning graduate program. The graduates come from diverse backgrounds in integrated logistics support, engineering, project management and finance, and will rotate work placements across varied markets in the business, ranging from Defence to emergency services and space-related projects. Nova Systems ...

South Australian systems engineer Georgia never considered working in the defence industry, but after starting her career journey with one of the state’s largest defence companies she has never looked back. After completing an electrical and electronic engineering degree at the University of Adelaide, the 25-year-old undertook a graduate program with South Australian-based engineering and technology company Nova Systems. Now, she’s taken the next step in her defence industry career, joining BAE Systems Australia’s Edinburgh headquarters as a systems engineer. She will apply her expertise and experience to key Defence projects, including the Jindalee Operational Radar Network, which protects Australia’s ...

Saab Australia will receive more than $22 million from the Federal Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative to build a Sovereign Combat System Collaboration Centre at Mawson Lakes. Set to be the home of Australia’s sovereign combat system capabilities in South Australia, the $77 million project will provide a state-of-the-art facility for the sector, as well as assist small and medium businesses to gain access to both national and global supply chains. It will also offer a combat systems school, providing specialised courses to address industry skills shortages in areas such as naval operations and software engineering. Read more

Rebecca Brickhill is Engineering Manager – Underwater at Saab Australia and has been in the defence industry for more than 15 years. Following completion of an undergraduate degree and Masters in Engineering, she worked in the commercial industry for a few years before applying for a role at Saab. In her current role, Rebecca manages a team of engineers, as well as the outcomes and approval for Saab Australia’s Submarine and Underwater vehicle programs. Ahead of International Women’s Day 2022, Defence SA spoke to Rebecca about her experiences building a career within a traditionally male-dominated industry. What attracted you to ...