Leading the way in developing a highly skilled workforce and inspiring thousands to pursue defence industry careers
Led by South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE), recognised as Australia’s leading defence trainer at the 2024 Defence Connect Australian Defence Industry Awards, the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence (DISCoE) was established to design and deliver innovative training solutions that support Australians to skill, reskill and secure employment in the defence industry.
Working in partnership with industry, government and education providers, DISCoE designs workforce solutions that equip people with the right skills and create clear pathways into rewarding defence industry careers, while ensuring SM TAFE trainers remain at the forefront of evolving technologies and industry practice.
Training is delivered across SM TAFE’s state-of-the-art campuses along WA’s Western Trade Coast, including Naval Base, Munster, Rockingham and Fremantle. These facilities feature advanced workshops, simulation suites and industry‑standard equipment, providing authentic learning environments that mirror modern defence industry workplaces.
With billions of dollars in naval shipbuilding, sustainment and advanced manufacturing projects underway, Western Australia is central to Australia’s defence industry growth. These projects are generating strong opportunities for workers, local communities and supply chains.
From shipbuilding and cyber security to advanced manufacturing, logistics and supply chain, DISCoE is preparing Australians to succeed in this vital industry.
What we do
DISCoE delivers industry-led training and workforce development solutions that respond directly to current and emerging defence industry needs.
Through close collaboration with employers, government and education partners, we are committed to:
- building a skilled, job-ready workforce for priority defence projects
- supporting students to start, stay and complete training
- strengthening industry capability through advanced skills and specialisation
- empowering trainers to teach the latest defence industry technologies and practices
Your gateway to a career that will help defend Australia and protect its interests.
The defence industry offers well-paid, long-term careers across trades, paraprofessional, professional and specialist roles.
Occupations span a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Information and communication technology
- Cyber security
- Project management
- Logistics and supply chain
Whether you're starting your career, changing direction or building specialist expertise, DISCoE provides clear and supported pathways into the defence industry workforce.
Why work in the Defence Industry?
The defence industry offers secure, meaningful and future-focused careers that contribute to Australia’s national security.
The establishment of a Defence Precinct at Henderson is set to underpin tens of billions of dollars in defence capabilities in WA over the next two decades, which is projected to support 10,000 well-paid and highly-skilled jobs.
Within the next two to five years, skilled workers will be needed for key defence projects, including Submarine Rotational Force - West and Australian Army and Navy shipbuilding, across a variety of fields such as:
- Electrical trades
- Mechanical and fabrication trades
- Pipefitting and metrology advanced trades
- Electrical, mechanical, software and system safety engineering
- Cyber security
- Computer-aided design
- Electronics and communications
- Entry-level nuclear-skilled personnel
- Safety and certification (including nuclear)
- Non-destructive testing
Our focus
The DISCoE is focused on:
- Showcasing defence industry careers
- Strengthening the defence industry workforce
- Building advanced skills and expertise
- Supporting students to succeed
- Creating study pathways through partnerships
- Empowering our trainers
- Partnering with industry
- Leading through governance and collaboration
Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence Priorities
Our current initiatives bring this focus to life through targeted programs for students, trainers and industry.
School Based Traineeship - Defence Industry Pathways Program
A 17-month traineeship for Year 11-12 students, combining a Certificate III with industry placements and early STEM exposure to build a strong future talent pipeline.
Women in Defence Industry Scholarship
40 annual scholarships offering dual qualifications in cyber, electronics and
engineering, paired with mentoring to support women and address underrepresentation in the defence industry workforce.
VET Uplift Retention and Completion Strategy
A national strategy with mentoring, tutoring and early intervention to help more students complete training and gain confidence for defence industry roles.
Higher Apprenticeships and Skill Sets
Advanced apprenticeships co-designed with industry and universities to build specialist capability and respond to emerging workforce demands.
Nuclear Skills Training Products
Developed in collaboration with stakeholders to prepare the workforce for nuclear submarine sustainment, with a strong focus on safety, quality and compliance.
VET Capability Plan for Trainers
Professional development and industry placements to keep lecturers current and connected, ensuring students are taught the latest defence industry skills.
Stay Connected
Want to learn more or get involved?
Call: 1800 001 001
Email: defence.industry.skills@smtafe.wa.edu.au
The Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence is a joint initiative between the Australian and Western Australian Governments under the National Skills Agreement.