Australia’s first fully government-funded Defence Ready Seminar Series (DRSS) is commencing in the Hunter in August. Expressions of Interest for places are closing in the next few weeks, which means relevant businesses need to register as soon as possible.
The seminar series presents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for manufacturers, building and construction and service-based SMEs who want to boost their capabilities and competencies, build relationships, find new opportunities, and tap into the $270 billion defence industry.
A joint initiative between Hunter Defence, Department of Defence, Goal Group and Australian Industry & Defence Network NSW, it runs over 12 months and includes 13 training modules – each a complete course of 2-7 weeks.
“This initiative is unique in this country”, said Tim Owen, Industry Advocate for Hunter Defence. “It’s about making a business as ready as it can be to compete in the global supply chain, winning defence contracts for Australian industry.”
“It’s an opportunity for SMEs to take their businesses from ‘defence interested’ to defence ready”, he continued, “with the potential to become an advanced defence business and a supplier of choice”.
The seminar series includes virtual workshops, eLearning, videos, introductory podcasts and question and discussion sessions. Each topic, from business development to tendering and security, is being delivered by a team of experienced industry leaders and facilitators.
Seminars are targeted at three levels: Explorer, Exponent and Expert, with businesses selecting their level and the modules they’d like to participate in depending on their current industry involvement, strengths and weaknesses.
Bob Hawes, CEO of Hunter Defence partner organisation Business Hunter, said the government funded online course is a great opportunity for businesses in the region looking to grow and diversify.
“This Defence Ready series offers a perfect introduction to Defence for businesses that are interested in expanding into this lucrative industry and will help those already in the sector to sharpen their competitive advantage.
Defence will become an increasingly important part of our regional economy, which is why Business Hunter and our other partner organisations support the Hunter Defence Taskforce.
As a creative and collaborative region we are in a position to capitalise on this opportunity. From this knowledge and skills sharing seminar series we can further develop business and industry diversity, ensuring we remain the regional economic powerhouse of New South Wales.”
A promotional video is now live on the DRSS landing page. Businesses can visit the page to find out more and apply for some or all of the seminars on offer. Priority is being given to regional SMEs with the right aptitude for entering Defence. There are forty funded places for each of the 13 seminar modules.
Discover more about the Defence Ready Seminar Series here
Contact: Tim Owen, CEO, Hunter Defence on 0407 093 662 or email
[email protected] for more information.
