In response to a shortage of highly skilled engineers, a Brisbane-based global munitions company is working to retain and enhance its existing workforce through a professional development program.
NIOA, a firearms, weapons and munitions company with operations in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, has partnered with Engineers Australia to cultivate the next generation of engineering leaders.
NIOA ANZ General Manager Engineering Rudi Bekker said that engineering talent pipeline marked a milestone this week with the first cohort of the Engineering Workforce Credentials (EWC) partnership receiving their chartership.
Mr Bekker said the EWC program provided a structured and supported pathway to internationally-recognised credentialing, including advancing engineers to become chartered engineers, fellow members or engineering executive members.
He said a chronic undersupply of skilled professionals was a key vulnerability to the successful ramp-up of Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance workforce.
“Up to 8000 specially trained technical roles, including 4000 specialised and professional engineers, will be needed over the next decade to establish a resilient industry with substantial local manufacturing knowledge,” Mr Bekker said.
He said Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs) demanded significant growth in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The engineering discipline is at the forefront of technological innovation, an essential instrument of resilience and therefore our deterrence strategy,” Mr Bekker said.
“To build sovereign capability we must also build workforce capability. The EWC is a testament to NIOA’s commitment to ensuring the highest standards of defence sector excellence and driving forward the future of engineering.”
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew said engineers were pivotal against a backdrop of global challenges.
“This partnership promotes continuing professional development and high standards. It demonstrates a clear commitment to developing a capable and credible engineering workforce,” Ms Madew said.
