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The federal government is struggling to communicate with young people about the Australian Defence Force and the defence industry, according to data obtained in a new Year13 report.
New research by Year13, an Australian education tech company dedicated to school-to-work transition, has confirmed that messaging directed towards young people is missing the mark.
At least 70 per cent of young Australians mistakenly believe the defence industry is the Australian Defence Force (ADF), according to results announced by the agency.
Also, results indicated that 28 per cent of young Australians were interested in working in STEM or trades careers in the defence industry in South Australia; however, 29 per cent of young people indicated lack of awareness of STEM defence industry career pathways as a key obstacle to pursuing work in the industry.
In addition, 26 per cent of young people believe military service is a requirement for working in the defence industry and 38 per cent indicated they have ethical concerns about working in the defence industry.
In positive news, 45 per cent of those surveyed indicated they are eager to learn more about career opportunities in the defence industry sector.
Australian Army Captain (former) Tom Larter, a chief executive officer of veteran education and employment tech company WithYouWithMe, said there were major concerns about communication with young people regarding the ADF and defence industry.
“The defence industry has some of the most exciting and future-focused career opportunities in Australia … from cutting-edge tech roles to skilled trades,” he said.
“As new research from Year13 highlights, there’s a significant awareness gap holding many young Australians back. A staggering 70 per cent mistakenly believe the defence industry is the ADF and over a quarter believe military service is a prerequisite for working in the sector. It’s no surprise therefore that a third express ethical concerns based on these misconceptions.
“This isn’t a failure of intent, but rather it’s a challenge of communication. Almost a third of young Australians say a key obstacle for pursuing work in the sector is they are not aware of the career pathways available to them.
“With nearly half of young Australians eager to learn more about the defence industry, we have a powerful opportunity to ignite that curiosity and nurture the next generation of innovators, engineers, technicians and analysts who will strengthen our sovereign capability.
“New government-backed school pathways programs, like Forge Your Future, are tangible solutions to meet this moment. Built to connect, inform and inspire, they break down outdated stereotypes, showcase real career pathways and provide young people with the clarity they need to see themselves in sectors like the defence industry.
“On a broader level, we need to change the narrative around the defence industry. We have both the responsibility and the opportunity to tell a new story ... one that reflects the diversity of skills that are in high demand, the exciting opportunities available, and the inclusive, purpose-driven future the industry is creating. If we don’t get better at communicating our value proposition, the defence industry risks being overlooked by the very generation it needs most ... the skilled, curious, and values-driven young Australians who will help shape its next chapter.”
