Defence jobs pitch by PM

ANOTHER 1500 workers would be trained across the country to work in the defence manufacturing and technology sector under a $108.5m Coalition government pitch.

Under the pledge, the government would expand the defence industry pathways program to help connect school leavers to defence industry jobs in 14 regions, including Geelong.

In Geelong, the focus will be on connecting school leavers to the region’s growing manufacturing sector servicing the Australian Army.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said participants would train with the “nationally accredited” certificate III in defence industry pathways.

“The skills and knowledge this program will give to graduates will set them up for a career in defence equipment manufacturing technology, and set them up for life,” Mr Morrison said.

“Australia has a record 220,000 people in trades training but as our defence investments grow, so does the demand for skilled Australians to move into the industry.”

Students would be trained with practical experience in technical trades such as welding, as well as skills in engineering, project management and logistics, cyber security, and computer-aided design.