Getting Your Business Ready for Defence Work (Without the Jargon)

WA’s defence industry is growing fast, (maybe too fast some say) and with it comes huge opportunities for local businesses - especially those in engineering, fabrication, and specialist trades. Whether it’s shipbuilding, maintenance, or advanced manufacturing, the big players (the primes) need reliable local suppliers to get the job done.

But there’s a catch. Defence work isn’t like your average commercial contract. It comes with specific requirements, security clearances, and, more often than not, skills that your team might not have yet. That’s where the Skilling Stream comes in.

A Practical Example: Getting the Right Skills, Without the Guesswork

Let’s simplify it down…

Let’s say you run a fabrication shop in Henderson. You’ve got a solid team, great capabilities, and you’re eyeing up defence contracts—but your welders don’t yet have the certifications needed for working on naval-grade materials. Getting them trained is a big cost, and you can’t afford to pull them off jobs without some kind of support.

This is exactly what the Skilling Stream is designed for. It helps WA businesses upskill their teams in the trade, technical, and professional skills needed to meet defence standards. That means funding for industry-specific training, so your business isn’t left behind as the defence sector grows.

And it’s not just for welders—this applies to everything from electricians and machinists to engineers and systems integrators. If defence work is on your radar, getting your workforce trained now could put you ahead of the pack.

Making Sense of Defence Grants (Without the Headache)

Defence funding isn’t just for the big end of town. There’s real money available for small and medium businesses looking to break into the sector - but applying for it can feel like a full-time job in itself. Between security requirements, technical applications, and government-speak, it’s no wonder many businesses put it in the “too hard” basket.

But here’s the thing: if you can clearly show how your business fits into the defence supply chain - whether that’s by skilling up your workforce, buying new equipment, or getting security accreditation—there’s a good chance you could get support.

WA’s defence industry isn’t just about the big names - it’s built on the work of hundreds of local businesses. With the right support and strategy, there’s room for plenty more.

The key is knowing which funding streams are worth your time and how to frame your application so it actually gets noticed. That’s where expert guidance can make all the difference. RSM Australia has years of experience helping businesses navigate government grants, including defence funding, and you don’t need to be a current client to tap into their expertise - they welcome calls from anyone looking for advice.

They manage the end-to-end application process, making sure your project’s strengths are clearly communicated and that you meet all requirements. And their support doesn’t stop once the application is submitted - they also help businesses through funding agreement negotiations and acquittals, ensuring you get the full benefit of any funding secured.

Their track record speaks for itself, with $95 million in funding secured in the past 12 months alone. If you’re looking to break into defence or expand your role in the industry, it’s worth having a conversation about the opportunities available for your business.