FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What if we are currently doing a Cert 3 in ICT?
Please complete an EOI so we have your name on the register. The STEMstart program specifically isn’t available to people already studying however Lockheed Martin Australia is keen to engage with the whole Glendale and Metford TAFE ICT cohort to help you become as job ready for the defence industry as possible. The whole cohort will have access to the LMA presentations when they happen and we will circulate any job opportunities as they become available.
- Are there options to do the TAFE course as part of year 11 and 12 school program?
At this stage no. The TAFE NSW component is a Full-time course of study and NSW Smart and Skilled funding for VET training only applies if you’re not enrolled at school.
- Is there a process to apply to Lockheed Martin Australia to do some work experience?
Unfortunately not at this stage due to Defence security requirements. RDA Hunter has occasional work placement vacancies with other Defence Industry partners and Manufacturers. Please send an email to admin@rdahunter.org.au until our Survey Monkey platform is operational again.
- I wanted to know whether international students are eligible to apply for STEMstart program?
International students are encouraged to complete the TAFE NSW component of the STEMstart but may not meet the Department of Defence security requirements to apply for work with Lockheed Martin Australia. To apply for a role with Lockheed Martin you must have work rights in Australia, which combined with the Defence Security requirements usually means Australian citizenship. Lockheed Martin does not normally sponsor work rights / visas.
Also, to qualify for Smart and Skilled funding in NSW, you must be aged 15 years or older, have left school, live or work in NSW and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen. https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/
- What sort of prerequisites are necessary
There are no pre-requisites for the Certificate III in Information, Digital Media & Technology. To qualify for Smart and Skilled funding in NSW, you must be aged 15 years or older, have left school, live or work in NSW and are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen. https://smartandskilled.nsw.gov.au/
- Is the opportunity limited to those living in the Hunter region?
Students outside the Hunter region are able to apply and complete the TAFE NSW component via online learning. The Lockheed Martin Australia office associated with the STEMstart is located in Williamtown, NSW.
- Will the course be run in Victoria and how old do you have to be?
The current STEMstart program is located in the Hunter region of NSW. For Lockheed Martin Australia employment vacancies across Australia, please check https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-au/careers.html
- Will the program be extended to other regions in Australia where LMA is located?
RDA Hunter and Lockheed Martin Australia are working together to explore opportunities in other regional areas where the defence industry is based however at this stage the STEMstart Program is limited to the Hunter Region. For Lockheed Martin Australia employment vacancies across Australia, please check https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-au/careers.html
- Will STEMstart participants get to see LMA in action during the program?
Yes, subject to COVID-19 restrictions, site visits of LMA facilities and other activities to help you become job ready whilst you complete your studies will be a component of the program.
- Is there a student fee attached to the Cert III, Cert IV and Diploma TAFE NSW qualifications?
Yes, NSW Smart and Skilled funding will apply but there will be a student contribution. Subsidies and exemptions may apply in certain cases. These will be discussed with you at the interview and enrolment at TAFE NSW.
Should you require further information on the program, please contact:
Rick Evans
(m) 0434 489 609
(e) rick.evans@rdahunter.org.au