Defence Industry Connection Program

South Australia

About the Defence Industry Connection Program

South Australian Defence Industry Connection Program (DICP) is one of the 22 state-supported initiatives under South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan designed to support the defence industry and its suppliers to build the in-demand skills, knowledge and experience through work-based learning opportunities for university students and addressing areas of skill shortage.

Funded by the South Australian Government, and valued at $3.9 million, this 4-year program is being delivered by Australian Industry Group, the nation’s most experienced employer association, supporting organisations in established and emerging sectors including defence.

Program Impact

In its pilot year (2024-25), the program

Supported the workforce needs of 19 SMEs and 4 Primes (organisations with 200 or more employees) enabling them to host and upskill 75 undergraduate students across South Australian Universities
48 students subsequently secured employment within the defence industry
Awarded 52 grants to our SME partners

Upskilled 75 students from various disciplines of study including engineering, business, project management, supply chain logistics, cybersecurity, information technology and computer science
Provided placement opportunities for 14 female and 12 culturally and linguistically diverse students

Case Study: SAGE

From students and hosts

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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.

Gabrielle G.

Flinders University Student

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Dylan S.

Adelaide University Student

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This is an excellent program, helping us and students.

Host Industry Partner

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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

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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.

Rory B.

Flinders University Student

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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

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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.

Arran W.

Flinders University Student