For the second consecutive year, Flinders University has been named a finalist in the 2025 Defence and National Security Workforce Awards for Best Future Skills Provider.
This prestigious awards program is dedicated to recognising the exceptional individuals, teams, and initiatives that are shaping the future of Australia’s defence and national security landscape.
Dean of Education in the College of Science and Engineering, Professor Giselle Rampersad, says Flinders has been recognised for launching a wide range of landmark initiatives and education programs supporting the development of the future defence workforce.
“This includes establishing the degree apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering with defence industry primes, with lead partner ASC Pty Ltd which involves apprentices working while undertaking a university degree, integrating on-the-job learning.”
“The degree apprenticeship has been a gamechanger for boosting attraction into the defence industry because apprentices earn while they learn from professionals in the industry.”
“Flinders has also partnered with the Findon Technical College for students who qualify to be able be able to complete their first year of a degree while in Year 12, fast-tracking their pathway into key career opportunities.”
Flinders is also delivering suite of defence initiatives, including the first class of nuclear engineering students taking part in an exchange program with the University of Rhode Island in 2025.
The University is also continuing to deliver its Micro-credential in Cybersecurity Governance and upskilling students from the defence industry in Digital Technologies.
While PhD student Alastair Wiegemann has also been nominated for finalist in the category of Best Aerospace Technical Specialist Under 35 for his work in Electronic Warfare in the Centre for Defence Engineering Research and Training (CDERT).
“It’s a great honour to be selected as a finalist in such a prestigious award. I have never pursued work with the idea of winning awards, but it is nice to see a reward for the effort that I have put in.”
“Working on new EM direction finding methods has been challenging, but getting some positive initial results has been very rewarding.”
Defence Connect Managing Editor Liam Garman extended his congratulations to all finalists.
“Needless to say, the defence and national security sectors are undergoing a once-in-a-generation uplift. This uplift is down to the dedication and expertise of the Australian industry,” Garman said.
“Whether you’re a professional who is trailblazing in their field, or whether your business has an initiative that is transforming the way that we work – we look forward to applauding your efforts at the Defence & National Security Workforce Awards.
“I look forward to raising a toast to all of our finalists and winners on the evening!”
The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala at Illumina, Sydney, on Thursday, 15 May 2025.