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Salary- Salary $54,232, pro rata $12,475 based on 60 work placement days (increasing to $56,401, pro rata $12,974 based on 60 work placement days upon the Fair Work Commission approval of the Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement - 2024).
- May be eligible to progress to the Defence Graduate Program upon successful completion of your studies.
- Work a minimum of 60 paid work placement days per cadetship year, flexible around your study requirements and receive financial support for your degree.
The Defence STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) Cadetship offers you a head start in your career. Play a part in keeping Australia safe and secure while you complete your tertiary studies.
The Cadetship Program is an entry-level employment pathway for high-performing undergraduate students currently studying a relevant STEM degree.
You will get real-world, practical and high-quality work experience in an area relevant to your studies.
Defence will provide you with some financial support for your studies, during your cadetship. This includes:
- reimbursing the cost of your university course fees (upon successful completion of the relevant STEM units)
- reimbursing the cost of study/equipment material required to complete your STEM degree (up to a maximum of $1000 GST inclusive per cadetship year) and;
- a $3000 bursary payment per cadetship year.
- hands-on work experience
- a head start on a career in STEM
- opportunities to apply your academic knowledge and research skills
- access to cutting-edge technology
- mentoring and guidance from the country’s leading defence experts
- exposure to defence capability
- comprehensive learning and career development opportunities
- a stimulating and dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and creativity
- the opportunity to contribute to Defence’s research and military capability programs.
As a STEM Cadet, you will:
- work with Australian Defence Force and Defence civilian employees to provide scientific advice and/or develop technologies relevant to your university studies;
- provide scientific and technical support to current defence operations and military capability platforms;
- explore future technologies for defence and national security applications;
- ensure Australia is a smart buyer and user of defence equipment;
- develop new defence and national security capabilities. This may include:
- intelligence
- reconnaissance
- surveillance
- communication
- weapon platform
- cyber security
- ballistic
- aircraft
- guidance
- war fighter and
- mechatronic technologies.
- enhance existing capabilities by increasing performance and safety, and reducing the cost of ownership of defence assets
- support collaborative relationships with government agencies to strengthen national security, and
- assist and engage with industry to better support Defence capability needs.
Who we’re looking for
The STEM Cadetship Program is open to Australian undergraduate university students who: * have an Australian citizenship
- are studying full-time at an Australian university
- are currently enrolled in a relevant STEM degree, which may include Honours/Masters*
- will successfully complete at least 12 months full-time tertiary study of a relevant STEM degree before starting the Cadetship.
- will complete tertiary studies (including Honours/Masters) between the end of Semester 2, 2024 and the end of Semester 2, 2026
- have a minimum credit average (GPA ≥ 5 on a 7-point scale), and
- have at least 12 months' full-time tertiary study remaining at the time of commencing the STEM Cadetship Program.
What you can look forward to
Competitive salary and benefits
As a STEM Cadet, you will receive:
- Ongoing (part-time) APS employment with the Department of Defence.
- Minimum of 60 paid work placement days per cadetship year. A cadetship year is defined as the 12-month period from the date of commencement on the STEM Cadetship Program.
- Reimbursement of your university fees (i.e. course fees) relevant to the STEM degree. To be eligible, you must have successfully completed the relevant units each semester.
- Reimbursement for the cost of study/equipment material required for your STEM degree up to a maximum of $1,000 (GST Inclusive) per cadetship year
- A $3,000 bursary payment per cadetship year.
- The option to advance to a full-time ongoing APS Level 4 (or Science and Technology Level 3-4), or a place in the Defence Graduate Program once you successfully complete your STEM degree and satisfy the program requirements.
You’re agreed work days are flexible and negotiated between you and the work area. This is based on your study commitments and the work area’s requirements. The pattern of hours can also be adjusted to suit your university study. As a cadet, you'll be paid based only on the hours worked.
A head start in your career
Don't wait until the final year of your degree to start looking for a job.
Once you successfully complete the STEM Cadetship Program, you may have the option to advance into a full time permanent role at the APS 4 Level (or Science and Technology Level 3-4), or if you prefer, to transition into the Defence Graduate Program as an APS 4.
Unlike other applicants, STEM Cadets will not need to engage in a separate application and assessment process to move into the Graduate Program.
Immersive learning opportunities
You'll be supervised and trained by Australia’s brightest and most innovative specialists. This network of experts is at the forefront of international Defence capability and research. You'll also get access to cutting-edge technology and capability, unlike any other organisation.
About Defence
Defence is one of Australia's largest Government departments and offers rewarding careers across a spectrum of job categories.
It's a place for graduates and STEM Cadets to bring their unique experiences, values and skills to explore a career of vast possibilities. Defence is an inclusive space where you can make a meaningful impact on Australia’s national security and protection. It embraces specialist skills, diversity and thought leadership.
With access to cutting-edge technology, experts and a close network of peers, graduates and STEM Cadets can get hands-on experience to learn on the job and find their unique path.
