Alanna thought defence meant army drills and uniforms. Now she’s thriving in HR, thanks to a traineeship that’s helping South Aussies unlock surprising new careers.
After 18 years at a supermarket – 12 as a department manager – 33-year-old Alanna Boyd was eager for change.
“I absolutely loved Coles, but I felt my journey there was over,” Alanna says. “I wasn’t growing anymore, and I wanted to explore other options before I felt it was too late.”
An online search led her to South Australia’s Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP), completely reshaping her view of defence careers and revealing opportunities she never imagined.
Why defence isn’t just about uniforms
Alanna initially pictured defence as military uniforms and drills, but her experience quickly changed that.
“When I did more research, I realised the defence industry is huge – there’s recruitment, logistics, cybersecurity, and so much more,” she says.
One visit to the Osborne shipyard clarified her personal career interests: “Walking around the welding areas, I immediately knew it wasn’t for me – but some other trainees loved it. This traineeship helps you quickly find what suits you best.”
Alanna soon found her niche in human resources at Babcock Australasia, drawing on her previous retail experience. “I’ve been lucky to start in recruitment. I’ve brought my hiring and training skills from Coles and discovered I really enjoy that aspect of defence work.”
“Honestly, I’m loving it. Everyone’s been super welcoming,” she says. “If they offered me a job as a recruiter today, I would say yes.”
Inside DIPP: What it’s really like
Alanna describes the Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP) as rewarding and challenging.
“I can’t remember the last Easter I had off working in retail,” she says. “Having weekends and holidays off now to see my friends has done wonders for my mental health.”
Returning to study at TAFE was challenging after years away from school, but everyone’s support helped her quickly find her rhythm.
The traineeship sparked unexpected personal growth, particularly in leadership.
“Without realising it, I began taking a leadership role among my peers,” Alanna says. “I didn’t think I had the confidence, but people naturally looked to me, which was a pleasant surprise.”
Her experience has inspired others too: “Even my partner is now considering applying. When I describe what I do, it opens people’s eyes to opportunities they didn’t even know existed”.
What new employment programs are there?
Two of the newest South Australian programs to help locals of all ages and experience enter the booming defence industry are:
Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP): A 12-month paid traineeship providing hands-on experience across a range of defence industry sectors, including manufacturing and engineering, cybersecurity, logistics, procurement, technical drawing and computer-aided design, leading to a Certificate III qualification.
Shipbuilding Employment Pathways (SEP): A four-year apprenticeship specialising in trades like fabrication, mechanical engineering, and electrotechnology.
These programs are a true team effort – co-designed with the SA government, funded by the Commonwealth, and delivered by TAFE SA and PEER with support from major industry players.
Industry backing for new defence programs
These programs are supported by leading defence companies, including Babcock Australasia – which is headquartered in Adelaide and sustains more than 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs here.
Its CEO, Andrew Cridland, says the company’s active involvement in the SEP and DIPP programs reflects its dedication to fostering a capable and emerging defence workforce – as well as growing its SA job numbers.
“These initiatives are open to South Australians of all backgrounds – be it chefs, single parents, or students – offering genuine opportunities to develop valuable skills, contribute meaningfully, and secure long-term, well-paid careers.”
With TAFE SA providing nationally-recognised training, participants like Alanna gain strong qualifications alongside workplace experience.
SA’s booming defence sector by the numbers
The latest ABS stats reinforce why South Australia is globally recognised as the nation’s “Defence State”, recording the strongest growth of all states in the sector and with seven of the world’s top 10 defence companies located here.
Over the past five years, the state’s defence industry has doubled its value from $977 million in 2019-20 to $1.9 billion in 2023-24.
The industry now directly employs 9,900 South Australians – up 15% in just 12 months with thousands more employed across the broader supply chain and supporting adjacent industries.
Thanks to a pipeline of continuous naval shipbuilding and a long list of major projects across aerospace, cyber, land and space, SA’s defence industry workforce is expected to more than double by the 2040s.
Ready to launch your career?
Applications for the Defence Industry Pathways Program and Shipbuilding Employment Pathways are now open. Whether fresh out of school, considering a career switch, or simply curious, Alanna says they’re worth checking out.
“I wish this program had been around when I was leaving high school. You’re paid to learn, gain incredible exposure, and build real connections. Give it a go – you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Find out more and register your interest here.
