Western Australia's defence industry workforce is recognised as one of the most highly educated, qualified and skilled of its type anywhere in the world.

As the defence industry continues to expand, the skills needed across all five defence capability domains is also growing and changing to meet future requirements in technology and communications for Industry 4.0, and new opportunities in areas such as space ground stations.

A skilled workforce will prepare defence industry businesses for major projects and opportunities happening now and in coming years.

Engage the Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office

The Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD), through the Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Office (WADIWO), is leading the strategic planning needed to build a skilled workforce for Western Australia’s defence industry. This work is driven by strong relationships with the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence, government agencies, universities, TAFEs, peak industry bodies and unions.

DTWD collaborates closely with key defence industry stakeholders to conduct workforce analysis; shape workforce development plans and initiatives, and guide strategies that address the sector’s workforce needs. This includes identifying future workforce requirements and prioritised skilling pathways to support a sovereign defence industry capability across all five domains – air, land, space, maritime and cyber.

DTWD’s work is governed by the Western Australian Defence Strategy Steering Committee. It forms a part of the strategic deliverables of the Western Australian Defence and Defence Industry Strategy by working with Defence West.

Since 2020, the Western Australian Government has invested $46.5 million in targeted workforce initiatives.

DTWD regularly provides advice on the implementation of Western Australia’s defence industry workforce development initiatives, as well as broader strategic skilling matters.

Go to the Contact us page for information on how to contact DTWD.

Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022–27

Over the next decade and beyond, Western Australia's defence industry will require a larger workforce, with a diverse range of skills. The Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022–27, released by the State Government in November 2022, consolidates the strategies designed to position Western Australia for the pipeline of defence projects.

The plan outlines key government initiatives and a workforce development package to ensure skilled trades, paraprofessional and professional workers are available to support defence industry projects now and into the future.

In December 2024, the Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia's Defence Industry report was released, showcasing the strong outcomes to date achieve through the $35 million package. More than 1,000 Western Australians have benefited from training opportunities and financial support to 'start something' and pursue a rewarding career in WA's defence industry. A further $11.5 million has since been invested in the defence industry workforce through the AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive program which opened on 1 July 2025, as part of the State Government’s Made in WA plan.

Read the Western Australian Defence Industry Workforce Development Plan 2022–27 here.

Access the Delivering a Skilled Workforce for Western Australia's Defence Industry report here.

Work is currently underway to refresh the Plan, incorporating the latest developments — including Western Australia’s leading role in the AUKUS trilateral security partnership, the Commonwealth Government’s announcement of the development of a Defence Precinct at Henderson and analysis of AUKUS-related skills demand within the Western Australian labour market.