RDA Hunter welcomes State Government support of STEMship

The NSW Government has committed an additional $50,000 to train young people to equip them with the skills they need to gain employment in the booming Defence industry in the Hunter.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the funding for the innovative STEMship program which increases the take up of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

RDA Hunters STEMship provides a VET pathway for secondary high school students as an alternative to University. It aims to promote job creation in the Hunter Region by providing a talent pool of work ready employees for industries such as Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Resources, Electronics and Aerospace. Outcomes include apprenticeships and traineeship opportunities for participants at the completion of the program.

“This funding will ensure a continued pipeline of skilled workers with strong STEM skills to support the future needs of the Defence industry in the Hunter,” Ms Berejiklian said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said businesses such as Boeing, Raytheon and Nova Defence would continue to benefit from the program.

“Defence companies such as Boeing have praised the STEMship program indicating it has been critical for developing their workforce and noting they are delighted to see it continue,” Mr MacDonald said.

“This additional funding complements the NSW Government’s Defence and Industry Strategy, released earlier this year, which aims to grow Defence jobs, investment and innovation, particularly across regional NSW and the Hunter region.”

The Hunter already has the largest regional Defence presence in NSW with 4,000 Defence personnel.