New Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling WA Grants Program
New Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants Program: Seeking Feedback
The Western Australian government is set to launch a new $2.5 million defence industry grants program to support the development and delivery of education and training products to meet the defence industry's current and emerging workforce needs. As the program's launch approaches, industry stakeholders are being invited to provide feedback on the draft expression of interest document, which will help ensure the grants program is ready to take off and meet the unique skills needs of the defence industry.
Boosting the Professional and Para-Professional Workforce in Western Australia
The Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants program is part of the McGowan Government's $11 million package of initiatives to boost the industry's professional and para-professional workforce. The grants program targets defence industry firms or peak bodies partnering with universities, as well as WA-based registered training organisations. These organisations are encouraged to develop and deliver micro-credentials, accredited short courses, and skill sets that address the defence industry's upskilling or reskilling priorities.
Two-Stage Application Process for WA Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants program
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. The Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) will administer the Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants.
Industry Feedback in Western Australia
Before applications open, industry stakeholders are being invited to provide feedback on the expression of interest document. 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.
Preparing for Future Defence Projects in WA
The McGowan Government's significant investment in defence workforce initiatives aims to prepare the State to attract new defence projects over the next decade. The Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants program increases the defence sector's ability to recruit, attract, and retain a skilled workforce and meet its unique skills needs. Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia highlights that Western Australia is in line to receive billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs as the home of our nation's future nuclear-powered submarine fleet and a home away from home for our AUKUS allies.
Conclusion
The Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grants program is another boost for WA's defence industry workforce. It supports the development and delivery of short courses to upskill and reskill defence industry workers. The grants program is a two-stage application process, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the draft expression of interest document. The initiative is part of the McGowan Government's $11 million package of initiatives to boost the industry's professional and para-professional workforce, and it aims to prepare Western Australia for future defence projects.