A new partnership between South Australian veteran-owned businesses ARES Armaments Australia and Aimpoint is set to boost defence manufacturing capabilities while creating meaningful employment pathways for veterans in the region.
Announced at the Avalon Airshow last week, the agreement outlines a series of initiatives to support the Australian Government’s focus on expanding local production of guided weapons, explosive ordnance and munitions.
The collaboration will see the development of a Certificate IV in Explosive Ordnance Manufacture, an apprenticeship program, targeted recruitment strategies, and partnerships with industry to enhance skills training and facility access.
South Australian Treasurer Stephen Mullighan said the partnership underlined the state’s commitment to building a skilled defence workforce.
“South Australia is getting on with the job of ensuring our defence industry has the workforce it needs to deliver key projects,” Mullighan said.
“This partnership will not only secure the manufacturing of explosive ordnance and munitions in SA, it also recognises the vast capabilities of our veterans, by creating employment pathways.”
The agreement is expected to play a central role in the expansion of ARES Armaments Australia’s manufacturing facility in regional South Australia.
The project will open new doors for veterans seeking to transfer their military-acquired skills into civilian roles, with a focus on sustainability and sovereign capability.
“When veterans leave the ADF, they bring with them a wealth of experience, discipline and leadership skills that can often be challenging to apply within the civilian job market,” ARES CEO Jason Murray said.
“This first-of-its-kind partnership is integral to ARES establishing a regional South Australian workforce for explosive ordnance manufacturing. It ensures that ARES can deliver a truly sovereign GWEO capability – not years into the future, but within the next 12 months.”
The South Australian Government has welcomed the initiative, describing it as a step forward in bolstering the state’s position in national defence manufacturing while supporting the transition of veterans into high-value jobs.
“This partnership is a fantastic example of local veteran collaboration and innovation that further cements our state as a defence industry leader,” Minister for Veterans Affairs Joe Szakacs said.
“Increased employment opportunities for veterans to apply their diverse skillset in our community will only lead to a stronger workforce in South Australia.”
Aimpoint’s involvement brings a training-focused approach, with plans to deliver long-term workforce solutions for the defence industry.
“This partnership will provide long-term career opportunities for veterans transitioning from the Australian Defence Force, as well as a regional workforce, supporting a sustainable and sovereign industrial capability,” said Aimpoint General Manager of Apprenticeships and Training Adam Levi.
