On Friday, 18 July 2025, UNSW Kensington came alive with energy and purpose as StudentXConnect welcomed over 90 students, academics, and defence industry professionals for a half-day event focused on building the future workforce of Australia’s defence sector.
This intimate gathering was designed to spark meaningful connections between students in their penultimate or final year of study and key players in the defence industry. The goal? To demystify the sector, highlight career pathways, and foster a collaborative ecosystem of universities, SMEs, and prime contractors to build a robust future workforce that enables Australian sovereign capability.
OUR SPEAKERS
Defence Trailblazer General Manager, Heather Nicoll, delivered both the opening address and keynote presentation, offering a compelling overview of the defence industry’s role in Australia’s sovereignty and workforce development. She highlighted the growing career pathways available and broke down complex topics like AUKUS Pillars I and II, the FVYES Alliance, and the distinction between defence and defence industry.
Dr Dushy Tissa, representing Northrop Grumman Australia, spoke about the evolving technology landscape and the critical role universities and SMEs play in the supply chain. He shared insights into global capabilities, career journeys, and the importance of citizenship and security clearances.
Mr Warren McKenzie, representing HB11 Energy, brought a fresh perspective from the SME sector, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and global opportunities. He emphasiSed the value of internships and employability skills, giving students a glimpse into the future of innovation.
Amrita Varshini, who undertook a Defence Trailblazer internship with Hullbot, shared her personal journey through internships and university life, offering relatable insights and key takeaways for her peers.
The event concluded with a vibrant networking lunch, giving students the chance to connect directly with industry representatives, ask questions, and explore future collaborations.
KEY THEMES & TAKEAWAYS
- Understanding the Defence Ecosystem: From primes to SMEs, students gained clarity on how the industry operates, where they can fit in
- Career Pathways: Presenters highlighted a range of opportunities – from internships to advanced research roles relevant to defence industry
- Networking & Engagement: The event emphasised the importance of building relationships early, with practical tips on how to network effectively.
VIEW EVENT GALLERY
