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The Defence Teaming Centre welcomed two new cohorts to its flagship Defence Industry Leadership Program (DILP) for 2024 at the programs official launch on Tuesday 12 March.
DILP, now in its 14 year, is specifically tailored to meet Australia’s future defence industry requirements. Developed in collaboration with key defence industry leaders and Skills Lab, a Sage Group Company, it is a pivotal leadership program for emerging and mid level defence industry personnel.
Notably, the program is now funded as part of the Commonwealth’s and South Australian Governments 2023 Defence Industry Workforce and Skills Report and Action Plan and plays a significant role in upskilling and retaining both emerging and transitional mid-career mangers and leaders within the defence sector.
Rowena Le Quesne, DILP Course Coordinator said the support of the state government had allowed for the expansion of the program, which can usually only take a maximum of 25 participants each year.
“With the greatest upgrade to Australia’s defence capability taking place over the next decade I am pleased the Commonwealth have recognised this by offering 25 extra places on the program to help bridge the workforce and skills gap and ensure industry is ready to meet the new priorities of the Australian Defence Force.
“By bringing together professionals from diverse backgrounds, DILP fosters a unique environment for cross-pollination of ideas and expertise. It's not just a leadership program, it's a collective effort to fortify the future of Australia’s sovereign defence industrial base.
“Our graduates emerge with not only a nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management, but with the skills and knowledge to effectively lead and manage multi-party collaborations and an understanding of the complexities of the defence industry.
“Our commitment is to empower these emerging leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.”
More than 110 people celebrated the launch of DILP 2024 at Ayers House, with DILP Ambassador, Minister for Defence Industry, the hon. Pat Conroy providing a statement thanking the Defence Teaming Centre for delivering the program and helping to upskill more than 300 defence industry leaders for the benefit of the broader Australian defence industrial base.
Echoing his sentiments was the Hon. Dr Susan Close MP, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science and Minister for Defence and Space Industries who said DILP has supported hundreds of mid-career defence industry professionals to grow their confidence and capability as decision-makers.
“Recognising the success of this program to-date, the South Australian Government is proud to partner with industry to fund an increased number of DILP participants in 2024, strengthening supply chain businesses by upskilling the people within,” Minister Close said.
“These are the future leaders our state will rely upon to fulfil the major defence projects on South Australia’s horizon.”
This year’s DILP cohort is comprised of participants from diverse backgrounds, from engineering, accounting, communications, business administration, computer science and more.
Upon completion of the course participants can go on to complete the DILP Advanced Diploma, which launches in 2025, or they can undertake an MBA at the University of South Australia with DILP graduates receiving one credit point going towards this program.
Learn more about the DILP Diploma here.
