The DTC has welcomed the announcement of a dedicated National Security TAFE Centre of Excellence, to be established at TAFE SA's Regency campus.

A key focus of the Centre will be upskilling current and future technicians so they are job ready to work on AUKUS.

This will include partnering with UK and US education institutes to transfer advanced technology training and developing new qualifications with industry relevant to Australia’s defence industry.

The $28 million centre has also been warmly welcomed by defence industry.

“A highly skilled local workforce is essential for South Australia to take full advantage of the defence industry opportunities on the horizon,” said Saab Australia Chief Financial Officer, Courtney Morcombe.

“This new investment will support organisations like Saab Australia to deliver the Commonwealth’s capability requirements, continue developing sovereign capabilities and growing our workforce in South Australia.”

The Centre will develop training programs focused on improving Australia’s national security and information security readiness across electrotechnology, electronics and engineering training, while supporting workforce development in emerging industries through partnerships with employers, unions, universities and research institutes.

The new state of the art centre of excellence training facility will allow tradies and apprentices to get hands on experience working on automated technologies, artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality tools to prepare them for a range of occupations. These include:

• electricians

• engineering technicians

• mechanical fitters

• welders

• boilermakers.

Defence Training

“As South Australia and Australia’s defence industry ramps up for naval shipbuilding, nuclear-powered submarines, guided weapons and explosive ordnance, so too does the need to protect our supply chains from ever-increasing foreign interference,” said South

Australian Minister for Education, Training and Skills, Blair Boyer.

“TAFE SA is well placed as the largest provider of defence training in South Australia to deliver this new National Security Centre of Excellence, which will support Australia’s capacity to build and safeguard sovereign manufacturing capabilities.”

“With industry and unions, we will deliver new training courses in defence and cyber security, build a world class training facility for the future workforce, and offer courses for South Australians to protect themselves from cyber-crime and fraud.”

The State and Federal Governments are each investing $14 million to establish the Centre.

TAFE Centres of Excellence foster collaboration between TAFEs and key stakeholders to deliver high-quality and responsive training in critical and emerging industries.

In other news:

• Global counter-drone and electronic warfare company, DroneShield, will invest $13 million in a new research and development facility in Adelaide. It will initially create around 20 highskilled engineering roles in Adelaide, focused on radio frequency (RF) electronics, EW, and systems integration.

  “Adelaide has been chosen due to its proximity to leading global defence and aerospace organisations, a highly skilled engineering workforce, and established infrastructure supporting advanced technology development, particularly in EW and RF systems,” the company said.

• REDARC has announced a new $50 million Defence and Space Hub in Lonsdale, SA.

  “We supply battery monitoring and power management solutions for BAE Systems Maritime Australia’s Hunter class frigates program and contribute to Kongsberg and Raytheon’s NASAMS surface-to-air missile system,” REDARC said in a statement.

  “This new hub will take that work further, with advanced spaces for manufacturing, testing, and R&D, alongside dedicated areas to engage students and start-ups.”