Schools Pathways Program funding announced for defence opportunities

The program is valued at over $11 million across two financial years (2024–25 and 2025–26). Eligible organisations will be able to apply for funding of between $150,000 and $2 million to deliver activities under the program.

“This government is committed to developing the defence industry skills we need for a future made in Australia,” Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy said.

“The launch of this grant opportunity is yet another example of delivering on the Defence Industry Development Strategy, supporting a resilient, competitive and innovative Australian sovereign defence industrial base, and a future defence industry workforce to support our national security.

“The Schools Pathway program is a great example of how the government is accelerating investment in a robust and highly skilled workforce, which will allow us to meet the needs of our Defence industry partners now and into the future.”

This grant opportunity is in addition to $5.1 million already invested through the Schools Pathways Program inter-governmental agreements with South Australia and Western Australia over financial years 2023–24 and 2025–26.

The program will be open for applications in early September 2024.

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.