The Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence (DISCOE), led by South Metropolitan TAFE (SMTAFE), exemplifies how TAFE Centres of Excellence can influence strategic workforce development. With WA expected to support 10,000 highly skilled defence jobs over the next two decades, DISCOE is delivering scalable, targeted initiatives that address both state and national workforce needs.
This presentation will provide an overview of the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence scope and progress, including the early rollout of specialised training pathways in defence-related fields. It will highlight programs supporting priority groups and demonstrate how vocational strengths are being leveraged to deliver higher apprenticeships and advanced training aligned with sovereign capability priorities, including AUKUS and the Submarine Rotational Force West (which is the visitation of nuclear powered conventionally armed submarines to our shores).
The Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence’s collaborative approach to workforce development is exemplified by the establishment of the Nuclear Skills Product Advisory Group. Guided by the Nuclear Skills Framework and other strategic documents, the Nuclear Skills Product Advisory Group is actively shaping curriculum and delivery models to meet the evolving requirements of Australia’s nuclear-capable defence workforce.
Learning Outcomes:
The presenter, Executive Director of Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence, brings extensive experience in defence workforce strategy, vocational education, and cross-sector collaboration ensuring a practical and insightful session for TAFE leaders, curriculum developers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.