A new campaign will inspire women, veterans, young people, jobseekers and career changers to take advantage of the job opportunities in the defence industry.
'The Other Force' campaign was launched on December 13, 2020 to raise awareness of the job opportunities and career pathways available in Western Australia's defence industry.
The campaign aims to promote the diverse, exciting and secure jobs offered by the defence industry to continue building the skilled workforce needed to support upcoming defence projects and secure future defence work.
The campaign is complemented by the establishment of seven new maritime defence industry SM TAFE courses which will contribute to a 'defence ready' workforce to bolster WA's defence industry and support maritime defence contracts.
The new skillsets have been 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:
- $20,000 incentives for defence manufacturing industry employers to train apprentices in key trades;
- Training 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 http://www.jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/defence