Investing in Australian capabilities
Raytheon Australia supports the Defence Industry Pathways Program and its commitment to indigenous apprenticeships, traineeships and internships
When applications opened for the Federal Government’s Defence Industry Pathways Program, or DIPP, Amy Lang eagerly applied and started charting her future.
“I hope this is the beginning of a lifelong defence career,” said Lang, who was admitted into the program as a supply chain specialist intern for Raytheon Australia.
The DIPP is a 12-month traineeship that offers participants four 12-week placements at defence businesses to undertake hands-on training in manufacturing, engineering, computing, logistics, cybersecurity and supply chain. Raytheon Australia’s support for the program reflects the company's commitment to Australian industry and investing in the workforce.
“As a capability partner for Australia’s defence, it’s important we attract and retain the right people to work on programs that are critical to the defence of our nation,” said Michael Ward, Raytheon Australia managing director.
“We support the federal government’s mission to build capability with Australian industry, and that means investing in and growing our local workforce. After all, today’s trainees are tomorrow’s leaders.”
Raytheon Australia became involved in the DIPP through the company’s new Collins Combat System Manager Framework contract, or CSMF, at the Henderson Shipyard in Western Australia. The contract required Raytheon Australia to commit to an Australian industry capability plan to pilot Indigenous apprenticeships, traineeships and/or internships by April 2024; however, Raytheon Australia was able to set one up in March 2023 – 13 months ahead of schedule.
Since March, the company has hired two Indigenous DIPP graduates. One has joined the Collins Combat System Manager Framework program, and the other now works with the Offshore Patrol Vessel team.
Lang’s 12-week DIPP placement with the Collins Combat System Manager Framework team has just begun, and one thing is already certain: she won’t be the last Defence Industry Pathways Program participant at Henderson. The company is committed to hosting trainees for years to come.
Applying for the DIPP was an easy choice, Lang said.
“There are so many amazing and varied opportunities in the defence industry,” she said. “I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”
