Name: Defence Teaming Centre
Price range: $

Develop the leadership capability, perspective and networks to lead across Australia’s defence sector

REDARC Defence and Space DILP Cohort visit - 2026

Designed with Industry - Delivered for Industry

The Defence Teaming Centre's Defence Industry Leadership Program (DILP) is Australia's flagship program designed specifically for emerging and mid-career leaders across the defence sector.

Learn alongside peers from Primes, SMEs, Defence, government and academia, while gaining practical leadership experience in a uniquely defence-focused environment.

Since 2010 DILP has helped build a national network of more than 400 professional leaders, contributing to the strength of Australia's defence sector across industry, Defence, government and academia.

Through facilitated and applied learning, industry engagement, leadership coaching and peer collaboration, participants develop the skills, confidence and industry perspective to lead with greater impact and work effectively across a diverse range of stakeholders.

Unlike traditional leadership programs, DILP brings together participants from across the defence sector, creating opportunities to learn from different organisations, perspectives and experiences.

DILP is delivered over nine months through a combination of workshops, coaching sessions, site visits, field trips and applied project activities.

Graduates receive a nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management through DTC's partnership with Skills Lab (RTO).

DILP develops leaders who can:

Lead Self - Build self-awareness, confidence and personal effectiveness.
Lead Teams - Strengthen communication, collaboration and people leadership capability.
Lead Across Organisations - Work effectively with diverse stakeholders and perspectives.
Lead Within the Defence Sector - Develop a broader understanding of the organisations, relationships and connections that shape Australia's defence sector.

Download the 2027 DILP Prospectus Apply Now

DILP at a Glance

9-month program
Adelaide-base national cohort
Diploma of Leadership and Management
Cross-industry participant group
Industry speakers and site visits
Leadership coaching
Applied leadership project
Formal graduation and entrance to alumni network

The Defence Industry Leadership Program develops leaders who can think beyond their own organisation, understand the wider defence sector, and work effectively across the defence ecosystem

Who Should Apply?

DILP is designed for people who are ready to grow their leadership capability and broaden their understanding of the wider defence sector.

Ideal for:

Emerging leaders preparing for greater responsibility
Mid-career professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capability
Technical specialists transitioning into leadership roles
Individuals moving into the defence sector
Leaders from diverse or non-traditional career pathways

Participants typically come from:

Defence
Prime contractors
SMEs
Government
Academia and research organisations
Professional services and adjacent sectors

Participants join a carefully selected cohort drawn from across Defence, government, industry and academia.

Why the Defence Industry Leadership Program?

The DILP course program and outcomes are designed with industry and delivered for industry.

The program is mature, established and highly regarded in the Australian defence industry as delivering practical, well founded leadership skills which immediately create a return on investment in the course. The Defence Teaming Centre is proud to count Federal Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP, as ambassador for DILP.

See Minister Conroy's welcome to the 2026 Defence Industry Leadership Program participants, presented at the program launch in March this year.

“I’m delighted to be the Ambassador for the Defence Industry Leadership Program, and I congratulate the Defence Teaming Centre for creating it”. Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry

The DILP Experience includes:

Facilitated Workshops - Practical leadership skills and tools
Industry Speakers - Insights from experienced leaders
Leadership Coaching - Greater self-awareness and reflective practice
Site Visits - Exposure to different organisations and environments
Field Trips - Broader understanding of the defence sector
Applied Leadership Project - Opportunity to apply learning in practice
Peer Learning - Diverse perspectives and shared experiences
Networking Opportunities - Valuable professional relationships
Graduation & Alumni - Become part of a national network of more than 400 defence industry professionals.

Participants Gain

Stronger leadership capability
Practical tools that can be applied immediately
Valuable peer and industry connections
A nationally recognised qualification
Access to the DILP Alumni network

Employers Gain

A stronger pipeline of future leaders
Enhanced succession planning capability
Employees with broader industry perspective and awareness
Increased collaboration across teams and organisations
Exposure to different approaches and industry practices
Stronger networks across the defence sector
Improved engagement and retention of high-potential employees
A program that complements existing leadership development initiatives

Graduate with a Nationally Recognised Qualification

Upon successful completion participants receive a nationally recognised Diploma of Leadership and Management (BSB50420), awarded through DTC's partnership with Skills Lab (RTO).

Immediately applicable
Nationally recognised
Tailored for Defence

DILP develops leadership capability while helping participants build a broader understanding of the people, organisations and relationships that make up Australia's defence sector.