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South Australia’s Deputy Premier, Susan Close MP, has officially launched Australia’s first suite of credit-ready Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials, marking a major step in upskilling the national workforce to enhance Australia’s defence capabilities.
Developed under the Defence Trailblazer’s Industry Upskilling Program, the new micro-credentials were co-created in partnership with the University of Adelaide, UNSW, and Lockheed Martin Australia. The bespoke program is designed to address a significant gap in formal qualifications for combat systems engineering in the country.
Deputy Premier Close hailed the launch as a strategic investment in the nation’s future, saying, “Defence Trailblazer’s Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials are a strategic investment in Australia’s future.
“These micro-credentials will allow defence primes and Australian small-to-medium enterprises to rapidly upskill their workforce and build a more resilient and capable industrial base to support the nation’s long-term prosperity,” the Deputy Premier said.
The newly launched suite includes six targeted micro-credentials covering systems engineering, radar systems, command and control, C4ISREW systems and technologies, understanding defence systems, and mission engineering.
Executive director of Defence Trailblazer, Dr Sanjay Mazumdar, emphasised the importance of adaptability in the face of rapid technological change.
“Technological advancements are transforming the defence landscape at speed, and Australia must keep pace. This initiative is a crucial step forward in strengthening the capability of our defence industry workforce,” Mazumdar said.
Delivered through a flexible hybrid model by the University of Adelaide and UNSW, participants may choose to undertake individual courses or complete the full suite, depending on their career objectives.
Mazumdar added, “Our focus is on ensuring that professionals across Defence and industry are equipped with the essential skills required to innovate and develop the technologies needed to meet both current and emerging threats.”
The launch follows the successful pilot phase of the first three courses, which began in July 2024. So far, 59 professionals from across the defence sector have completed micro-credentials, with an additional 141 expected to finish the full program by June 2026.
Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand chief executive, Warren McDonald, underlined the importance of industry collaboration in growing Australia’s defence engineering workforce, saying, “We are proud to partner with Defence Trailblazer, the University of Adelaide and UNSW. It is the responsibility of industry to continuously invest in developing the talent pipeline that supports the Australian Defence Force’s mission. Graduates of these micro-credentials will be equipped with the critical skills needed to integrate combat systems across all domains – air, land, sea, space and cyber – to help protect Australia.”
For more information about the Combat Systems Engineering Micro-credentials, visit the Defence Trailblazer website.
