107

students placed in paid internships with 40 industry partners

26

defence industry-led PhD & Masters research projects

270

academic-industry connections forged through secondments and collaboration

290+

learners upskilled through industry-aligned short courses and collaboration masterclasses

137

students connected to industry through events and site visits, building future defence leaders

Building a future-ready workforce

Investing in workforce development and talent attraction programs for defence is essential to address the evolving demands of national security. The Defence Trailblazer offers uniquely tailored activities for both industry and university personnel, designed to empower current professionals and facilitate collaboration between academia and industry. By providing access to advanced skills and knowledge, these initiatives ensure participants stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies. Additionally, our programs focus on attracting top talent by upskilling individuals and building a skilled workforce ready to address current and future defence challenges. This strategic investment from industry not only boosts operational effectiveness but also strengthens the nation’s defence capabilities by cultivating a dynamic, adaptable workforce equipped to navigate the complexities of modern security landscapes.

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

DIGR Voucher Program

The Defence Industry Growth & Resilience (DIGR) voucher program supports the strengthening and resilience of defence businesses by enabling businesses to scale and compete to deliver sovereign capability to our Australian Defence Force and our allies.

DIGR provides cash funding to support projects or activities conducted within your business designed to strengthen your business’ position in the defence industry, through different work streams. The DIGR Workforce Connect stream supports industry partners to attract and retain new staff, hire student interns, or engage university researchers.

Learn more
APPLICATIONS OPEN

CSE Micro-credentials

The Defence Trailblazer is proud to deliver Australia’s first credit-ready micro-credential program in Combat Systems Engineering.

Developed in collaboration with Lockheed Martin Australia, Adelaide University and UNSW, this industry-led initiative offers a blend of online resources and in-person workshops, - and fills a critical national skills gap in an area with growing strategic importance. The program consists of six high-quality, stackable micro-credentials that develop practical skills in systems engineering, radar systems and theory, command and control, military effectors and mission engineering.

Co-designed by defence industry, the program enables upskilling in 6 weeks.

Find out more
PROGRAM CLOSED

Industry Research Program

All Defence Trailblazer student research scholarship opportunities are now filled.

The Industry Research Program (IRP) offers a unique opportunity for quality candidates to engage in industry-led research projects.

To find out more about the program and learn about the research projects currently being undertaken, visit the Industry Research Program page.

Industry Research Program
PROGRAM CLOSED

Staff Mobility Program

An innovative program modelled to facilitate the secondment of university and industry staff members, fostering a dynamic exchange of expertise and resources between Adelaide University, UNSW, and industry partners.

This program aims to accelerate the development of cutting-edge defence capabilities, promote knowledge transfer, and provide access to university facilities for research and development.

With a generous co-funding arrangement and a flexible framework for both short and long-term placements, the program sets the stage for establishing enduring, mutually beneficial partnerships within the defence sector.

PROGRAM CLOSED

Student Placements & Projects Program

A collaborative program between defence industry and participating universities to offer undergraduate students the chance to intern within the industry. Tge program is designed to bridge the gap between academia and the Australian Defence industry, providing students with hands-on experience while contributing to the host organisation’s objectives.

With co-funding from Defence Trailblazer, the program supports students through tailored work projects and internships, fostering a skilled future workforce and strengthening industry-academic connections.

PROGRAM CLOSED

Cyber Security Voucher Program

Supporting industry partners to achieve good cyber security, collaborate securely with industry and university partners, and do business securely with Defence. The program enables SMEs, startups and scaleups to access up to $50,000 in funding to support cyber security uplift, inclusive of access to our network of industry experts and training providers.

Find out more

Latest News

Lachlan Pointon

Spotlight on QuantX Labs industry PhD student Lachlan Pointon

Adelaide University PhD student Lachlan Pointon is carrying out atomic and laser physics research in the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS). His Defence Trailblazer-supported industry PhD with QuantX Labs focuses on developing the next generation of portable rubidium optical atomic clocks.

“Development of the next version of portable optical atomic clocks is vital to Australia’s defence industry and critical infrastructure,” said Lachlan.

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Defence Trailblazer interns transition to defence industry professionals at DEWC Services

DEWC Services is contributing to the development of Australia’s future Defence workforce through co-funding from Defence Trailblazer’s Workforce portfolio.
Two recent interns, Adelaide University computer science and engineering graduates Hard Patel and Matthew Fowler, have now transitioned from student placements to full time roles at DEWC, where they are delivering Defence-aligned work.

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