Feedback invited on new defence reskilling and upskilling grants

• New $2.5 million grants program another boost for WA's defence industry workforce
• Industry feedback on expression of interest document invited ahead of application process
• Supports development and delivery of short courses to upskill and reskill defence industry workers
• Draft expression of interest document now available on Tenders WA
  

As the McGowan Government prepares to launch its new $2.5 million defence industry grants program, industry stakeholders are being invited to provide feedback on the expression of interest document before applications open.

The new Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants will support the development and delivery of new, customised or existing education and training products to meet the defence industry's current and emerging workforce needs.

The grants program will target defence industry firms or peak bodies partnering with universities, as well as WA-based registered training organisations. They are encouraged to develop and deliver micro-credentials, accredited short courses and skill sets that address the defence industry's upskilling or reskilling priorities.

Applying for the grants will be a two-stage process starting with an expression of interest. Selected applicants will then be invited to provide a more detailed application.

Administered by the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), the Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants are part of the McGowan Government's $11 million package of initiatives to boost the industry's professional and para-professional workforce.

The investment builds the State Government's previous $18 million package to boost the State's defence industry capabilities and trades workforce.

Western Australian defence industry firms and peak organisations can provide feedback on the draft expression of interest documentation via the Tenders WA website http://www.tenders.wa.gov.au

There will also be a briefing session for industry stakeholders to provide further information on the grants program and receive feedback on the expression of interest documentation.

Comments attributed to Training Minister Simone McGurk:

"The McGowan Government continues to work closely with the defence sector to ensure our significant investment in defence workforce initiatives hits the mark when preparing the State to attract new defence projects over the next decade.

"The new Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants will increase the defence sector's ability to recruit, attract and retain a skilled workforce and meet its unique skills needs.

"Before the new grants program is launched, defence industry stakeholders are being given the opportunity to preview the draft expression of interest documentation and provide feedback.

"This step in the process will help to ensure the pilot grants program is primed for take-off and take-up by defence industry partners across all five defence capability domains of land, air, maritime, space and information, and cyber."

Comments attributed to Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia:

"WA is going to be the home of our nation's future nuclear-powered submarine fleet, and in the very near future, a home away from home for our AUKUS allies.

"Our State is in line to receive billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs.

"The McGowan Government is supporting our excellent Defence industry sector as it expands to meet the exciting new opportunities on the near horizon."

Training Minister's office - 6552 6600

Defence Industry Minister's office - 6552 5600