Leading the way in developing a highly skilled workforce and inspiring thousands to pursue defence industry careers
South Metropolitan TAFE's Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence (DISCE) is leading the way in developing a highly skilled workforce for Australia's defence industry. Through partnerships with industry, government and education, DISCE is creating clear pathways into defence industry careers and supporting Australia's current and future workforce needs.
As a strategic capability of South Metropolitan TAFE and the national VET sector, DISCE provides leadership in defence industry workforce development, training innovation and skills capability. Working closely with defence industry partners and educators, DISCE helps identify emerging workforce challenges and opportunities, strengthen training capability, and support innovative approaches to skills development.
DISCE designs and delivers innovative training solutions focused on skilling and reskilling Australians for defence industry jobs. Through collaboration, workforce-focused initiatives and strong partnerships, DISCE helps connect training with employment opportunities and creates clearer pathways into rewarding defence industry careers.
Training is delivered through South Metropolitan TAFE's specialist facilities located along Western Australia's Western Trade Coast, including Naval Base, Munster, Rockingham and Fremantle. These industry-focused learning environments provide practical, job-ready training that supports the needs of Australia's growing defence industry workforce.
DISCE is preparing Australians for careers across industries such as shipbuilding, cyber security, advanced manufacturing, logistics and supply chains, helping ensure the right skills are available at the right time to support Australia's defence capability and sovereign industrial priorities.
What we do
DISCE 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, DISCE 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 DISCE 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.