DIIGS Host

What's on offer?

We have a pool of students with Defence-relevant qualifications, including but not limited to engineering, project management, logistics, IT, cyber, and commercial management, all eager to participate in the program.

These programs are tailored for both qualified graduates and students, offering opportunities across all five Defence capability domains: information and cyber, land, sea, air, and space.

Get in touch

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) 'Taster' scholarship
This six to 12 week program is designed for 1st and 2nd-year university and higher-level vocational education and training (VET) students.
Internship program
Work experience for university and higher-level VET students who are normally in their last or second last year of study. Placements with host companies range from 10-26 weeks, depending on the area of study, and are tailored to accommodate participants' study load.
Graduate program
The one year graduate program is designed for new or previous graduates who have attained a university and higher-level VET Defence industry related qualification.

Hosting opportunities

The participants are seeking placements to apply their learning and skills in a practical environment with your business.

This is a fantastic opportunity to harness the exceptional skills of talented students for work-integrated learning, all while enjoying valuable financial incentives.

As a host company, you will receive financial incentives to enable students to gain experience in your Defence business.

DIIGS is a subsidised program for participants, so students will be placed with you at no cost.

Your business could receive up to $8,500 for hosting a student.*

For more details on the program and financial incentives, download the information pack.

Email for more info: DIIGS@programmed.com.au

Defence Industry Internship and Graduate Scholarship Program

Looking to build your future workforce in Western Australia's Defence industry?

The Defence Industry Internship and Graduate Scholarship (DIIGS) Program offers a valuable opportunity to engage with emerging talent across university and vocational pathways.

We are seeking host employers to provide placements and support the development of skilled professional and para-professional workers. As a host, you'll benefit from access to motivated candidates and dedicated support from Programmed Training Services.

To be eligible, you must be a Defence industry employer based in Western Australia. (click here to see Western Australia's Defence Capability) to host this next generation of talent.

Here are a few success stories:

Benefits of getting involved

Trial Talent Before Commitment

Experience the 'try before you buy' advantage – mirroring a program with a 90% employment success rate in the defence industry across other states.

Unlock Government Incentives

Access potential workers while tapping into government incentives of up to $8,500. Discover ideal fits for your organisation while enjoying strategic benefits.

Create a Skilled Pipeline

Fuel your organisation's growth with a skilled para-professional and professional workforce. Benefit from Programmed's recruitment, assessment, and support services.

Proactively develop workforce for new contracts

Build a seasoned defence industry workforce ahead of contract allocation. Elevate your organisation and contribute to the West's sovereign defence industry capability.

State Government-Backed Advantage

Backed by the State Government, this initiative drives prosperity for the benefit of the defence industry

Increase Workforce Diversity

Additional incentives are available to eligible students, offering host employers the opportunity to diversify your team with talent — including women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, and regional communities.

Testimonials

"I fully recommend the DIIGS program to other employers. It's a great way to get new talent into your business"

Matt Crighton – Human Resources Manager, Bend-tech

"DIIGS provides us with a valuable pipeline of skilled graduates who bring enthusiasm and innovation to the defence maritime industry"

Chris Stoll – General Manager, Griffin Marine

"Kimberley's background in Psychology, Marketing, and HR was a great fit—even in an engineering-focused company."

Vesa Sapina – Senior Advisor, TPT

"There is a strong focus on Australian industry capability and the best way to nurture this is bolstering home grown talent through programs such as DIIGS."

Rebekah Manly – Co-founder, Onetide