Launch into expansive opportunity
The South Australian Government has set the goal of our state being ‘recognised as an international leader in the defence and space industries by 2030’.
Could our defence or space industries provide you with a fulfilling career pathway?
Occupations needed now in Defence and Space
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
- Computer Network Professionals
- Contract, Program and Project Administrators
- Database and Systems Administrators, and ICT Security Specialists
- Electrician
- Electronics Trades Workers
- ICT Managers
- Metal Fitters and Machinists
- Software and Applications Programmer
- Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers
The landscape
Snapshot of a thriving sector
Defence
South Australia is well placed to continue to capture valuable investment opportunities in defence and space — from shipbuilding to cyber systems to science and research.
As set out on Defence SA’s website, the South Australia’s defence sector currently employs more than 14,000 people, with a further 10,000 jobs expected to be introduced in defence, plus thousands more in associated industries, over the next 20 years.
The highly publicised AUKUS partnership supports construction of the next generation of nuclear-powered submarines in Adelaide. This arrangement will significantly increase demand for a range of people with the right skills — many of which can be obtained through VET qualifications.
Up to 4,000 people will be employed to design and build the infrastructure for the Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne, South Australia. A further 4,000 to 5,500 direct shipyard jobs are expected to be created to build nuclear-powered submarines in South Australia when the program reaches its peak.
Space
South Australia is home to the Australia’s Space Agency’s Headquarters and more than 100 space companies and organisations.
As the space industry expands, demand is expected to grow for workers with specialised skills and knowledge in areas such as satellite engineering, data analysis, and space technology.
Find your place
Take a deep dive into defence and space careers
Careers in defence and space are more than you think. You don’t need to be an astronaut or join the Defence Force to work in one of South Australia’s fastest growing industries. There are many pathways you can take to get the career you want in an industry you’ll love.
John's story
"I gained a lot of skills in a variety of different things... my maths skills have improved, hand-eye coordination. Working with welders you got to be quite steady.
I chose to be a Fabricator because it is something my Father did and I got a lot of inspiration from it and I enjoy doing it."
