Information for schools

Connecting students with career opportunities in Defence industry

Forge Your Future is a ground-breaking initiative designed to help students explore, engage with, and prepare for exciting careers in the Defence industry—one of Australia’s fastest-growing and most future-focused sectors.

Backed by the Australian Government’s Defence Industry Schools Pathway Program and supporting the South Australian Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Action Plan, this program provides schools with the tools, resources, and industry connections to help students make informed career choices.

Why should schools get involved:

Direct industry connections

Give students the opportunity to engage with leading employers, industry experts, and real-world projects that help them understand career pathways beyond the classroom.

Career insights

Students gain personalised insights into their strengths and potential career matches through cutting-edge AI and behavioural science-based tools.

Hands-on learning

Access to immersive learning experiences, industry-aligned skills development, and certification opportunities—helping students gain a competitive edge.

Future-proofed careers

Careers in engineering, cyber security, AI, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing offer long-term job security, competitive salaries, and meaningful impact.

Whatever the student’s strengths, there’s a defence industry pathway that fits. Forge Your Future connects students to careers in:

Data Engineering

Nuclear Engineering

Network Engineering

Business Analysis

Assurance Engineering

Inventory Management

Mechanical Engineering

Project Management

Cloud Computing

Electrical Engineering

Hardware Engineering

Finance

Software Engineering

Logistics Coordination

Safety Engineering

Cyber Security

Electronics Engineering

Technical Support

Security

Combat Systems Engineering

Contract Management

This is a unique opportunity to help students discover careers that align with their strengths and aspirations, gain industry experience, and build a strong foundation for their future.

Raising awareness & consideration of defence industry careers

Australia’s Defence industry is growing at a rapid rate, yet Australian students are yet to fully realise the opportunities that await them.

Research from Year13 has uncovered fascinating insights into young people’s perceptions on the defence industry, highlighting the need for more awareness.

The Barriers to STEM Employment in Defence Industry

I’m not interested in working in STEM

42%

Ethical concerns about working in defence

40%

I don’t want to relocate to where the jobs are

32%

I’m not good enough at maths

29%

Lack of awareness about STEM defence career pathways

29%

I’m not good enough at science

27%

Lack of flexibility/remote work opportunities

17%

My ATAR score

15%

Not enough university/TAFE placements in relevant fields

11%

Concerns about security clearances & eligibility

10%

1% of survey respondents already definitely pursuing a career in Defence Industry

65% of survey respondents are undecided

31% of survey respondents are open in moving to South Australia to pursue a STEM or Trade Career in Defence Industry

34% of survey respondents are definitely not interested in pursuing STEM career in Defence Industry

About the survey

The survey includes a sample of 1013 respondents aged 15-24 and was conducted online by Year13 online from the 17th to the 24 of February 2025. A total of 1013 survey responses provides a large enough sample size to draw valid conclusions that represent Australia’s youth population. With a sample size of at least n=1013 we can be 95% confident that the metrics are within +3/-3% of the result had we surveyed all Australian youth aged 15 to 24.

Forge Your Future is supporting schools to help their students learn about Defence industry careers and pathways.

Our friendly team will come and visit your school and meet with teachers and students to explain our unique approach and help them get started.

We also have a library of resources for teachers, career counsellors, parents and students to hep you on the journey.

How can we support you?

Enquire today