The extension is expected to provide an additional 150 positions in the program over the coming three years. Development of a highly skilled Defence workforce was highlighted as a priority by the Defence Strategic Review, released earlier this year.

“(The extension) provide more participants with knowledge and experience, and a pathway to gain essential skills that will be required by Australia’s defence industry well into the future,” said acting deputy secretary naval shipbuilding and sustainment Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm.

“As we face the most challenging strategic circumstances since the Second World War, the acceleration of important capabilities and activities is vital.

“Further investment in Defence and its workforce will ensure we can deliver a robust, sovereign naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry.”

More than 70 per cent of graduates have secured employment in the maritime defence industry and the seventh DIPP intake will commence later this month.

The DIPP was originally launched as a $10 million program in June 2021 to provide fully funded, 12-month traineeships to West Australian high school graduates.

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It was developed in partnership with Western Australia’s South Metropolitan TAFE and the state’s maritime defence industry for a pilot program on 120 students by mid-2022.

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.