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Defence Industry Connection Program

Host Companies

Secure government funding to host students for placement opportunities through the Defence Industry Connection Program

Defence Industry Connection Program (DICP) is a South Australian Government funded initiative delivered by Australian Industry Group. It connects defence aligned organisations with high calibre undergraduate students from Adelaide University and Flinders University for unpaid structured, work integrated learning placements.

Submit a placement

WHO CAN HOST?

Defence Industry Connection Program (DICP) partners exclusively with defence-aligned organisations operating in South Australia

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES (SMES)

$2,500

grant per intern hosted

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) receive grants of $2,500 per intern for hosting students.

PRIMES (200+ EMPLOYEES)

$7,500

student scholarships you can award year-round

Primes (defence organisations with 200 or more employees) can utilise government instead of organisational funding for awarding DICP Scholarships of up to $7,500 to selected interns all year round.

Program Benefits

  • Access talented enrolled undergraduate students from any discipline of study and not just engineering students to add value to real defence-aligned projects while building your future workforce.
  • Host all year round flexibly and not just during summer
  • Receive scoping, candidate matching and onboarding support from Project Officers, giving you additional resources and time to invest elsewhere in your business
  • Tap into a pre-screened student pool available at any time for fast-pacing recruitment
  • Structure placements tailored to business needs, opting for part-time or full-time arrangements that suits business needs and students' study commitments
  • Avoid employment contracts and payroll hassles by utilising University Work Integrated Learning Agreements for unpaid placements
  • SMEs receive $2,500 per student to offset placement costs, while students receive the government-funded DICP scholarship.

PARTNER WITH DICP

To share your organisation's capability areas, workforce needs and preferred engagement model for access to DICP funding and support, contact us.

Submit a placement

FOCAL CONTACT

Saba Ashraf

Email: saba.ashraf@australianindustrygroup.com.au

Alternate Email: dicp@australianindustrygroup.com.au

Student recruitment options

OPTION A

Select a student through your own recruitment channels.

Share student details with us and we will verify their eligibility for DICP Scholarship.

Students can submit the Pre-selected Student Application Form to self register.

Pre-selected Student Application Form

OPTION B

Utilise DICP to advertise a Student Placement on University Websites

Submit a specific student placement opportunity to be advertised through the Defence Industry Connection Program.

Eligible candidates will be identified and matched based on your role requirements.

For placements you do not wish to advertise, DICP project officers can recommend suitable candidates directly from the existing DICP student applicant pool.

Project Officers will work with you to organise and conduct interviews as well as relay outcomes to students

Submit a placement

ONGOING SUPPORT FOR HOSTS

Post selection, Project officers will connect you with the University to finalise the internship details through the University WIL Teams for execution of WIL Agreement.

During the placement, Project Officers will check in with you on a regular basis to ensure internship progress is on track to meet workforce objectives.

From hosts

The communication was excellent and the in-person site visits were really important to start the relationship between the student and DICP coordinator. The email check-in every 2-3 months were pleasant to receive and as a student, I felt like I had someone to contact if I had any issues with my placement.

Flinders University Student

I like doing things with a purpose – not necessarily just to make money or meet company goals, but something that has actual impact. As a student in today’s climate, there is pressure to get a secure job. Defence is the kind of field that is not going to be redundant anytime soon. ...I’ve genuinely learned so much since I started.

Flinders University Student

Thank you to Australian Industry Group for helping me land my initial internship at Praetorian Aeronautics through the DICP — a fantastic entry point into the defence industry and into life beyond university. The practical insights I've gained have been invaluable, adding tools to my kit that I'm already applying in my current role and personal projects. Thanks to both teams for the warm welcome and the opportunity — I'm excited to carry these skills into my future career.

Adelaide University Student

It was very beneficial to participate in the DICP scholarship process. The support I received, especially before securing a placement, was really important to me. It elevated my confidence and resulted in a highly positive industry experience.

Flinders University Student

Besides the terrific service from Australian Industry Group as a whole - One good thing is that everything is set up for us and we do not need to put a lot of time in to manage the process between the universities and Australian Industry Group.

Australian Industry Group Host Partner

I liked the flexibility to interview and onboard candidates immediately rather than waiting for the full candidate pool to be finalised. This allowed us to identify and secure strong talent early, enabling the intern to begin contributing to projects sooner.

Host Industry Partner

As newcomers to this program, we were very happy with the support both in persona and financial. We will likely come direct to you to seek our next placement student.

Host Industry Partner

As a small start-up organisation does not have the resources to fund placements; through the program we are able to attract the most talented students to conduct placements.

Host Industry Partner

Really impressed with this program and would like to continue to be part of this program next year. Thanks for your help and support.

Host Industry Partner