The Australian Government is reinforcing its commitment to expanding Australia’s defence industry workforce by launching the Schools Pathways Program: Open Competitive Grant Opportunity.
Valued at over $11 million for the financial years 2024-25 and 2025-26, this grant opportunity allows eligible organisations to apply for funding ranging from $150,000 to $2,000,000.
The initiative is designed to enhance awareness of career opportunities within the Defence industry and promote student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“The launch of this grant opportunity is yet another example of delivering on the Defence Industry Development Strategy, supporting a resilient, competitive and innovative Australian sovereign defence industrial base, and a future Defence industry workforce to support our national security,” said Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy.
The Schools Pathways Program also aims to offer professional development for teachers and equip parents and carers to better support their children’s pursuit of STEM careers.
This effort complements the $5.1 million already invested through inter-governmental agreements with South Australia and Western Australia over the financial years 2023-24 and 2025-26.
“The Schools Pathway program is a great example of how the Government is accelerating investment in a robust and highly skilled workforce, which will allow us to meet the needs of our Defence industry partners now and into the future,” Minister Conroy said.
STEM education prepares workers for innovation in the manufacturing sector.