We’re proud to have partnered with Saab Australia to deliver this unique program – it highlights Saab’s commitment not only to their staff and their veteran employees, but also to backing veteran-owned Australian businesses like Aimpoint
The success of a veteran-focused pilot program by Saab Australia and Aimpoint is set to pave the way for future graduates, strengthening the skills pipeline across South Australia’s sovereign defence industry.
Former Australian Army veteran and Saab Australia Maintenance Manager, Daniel Grayson, was the first to undertake the 12-month pilot, graduating with a nationally recognised Diploma of Project Management.
To achieve his qualification, Daniel worked with project teams at Saab’s Mawson Lakes site to deliver key outcomes aligned with the diploma’s educational requirements, including managing and developing project scope, schedules, risks, costs and communications.
Throughout the program, he was supported by Aimpoint’s Defence-qualified trainers.
Daniel emphasised the value of the collaboration, saying: “Saab and Aimpoint closely collaborated to create a tailored experience that built on the skills I developed in the Australian Army, aligning them with Saab’s processes.
“This has not only enhanced my value to Saab but has also strengthened my employability in the civilian sector.”
Saab launched the pilot with Aimpoint as part of its Veteran and ADF Partner Program.
Both Saab and Aimpoint are members of the SA Veterans Employment Network (SAVEN) which unites like-minded organisations with a commitment to driving awareness of veteran/partner employment pathways and opportunities.
CEO of Gawler-based Aimpoint, Mark Robinson, said the veteran-centred approach to integrated workplace education was the program’s strength.
“We’re proud to have partnered with Saab Australia to deliver this unique program – it highlights Saab’s commitment not only to their staff and their veteran employees, but also to backing veteran-owned Australian businesses like Aimpoint,” he said.
“This is exactly the kind of industry led collaboration the veteran community needs.”
Based on the pilot’s success, Saab Australia has committed to expanding the initiative to all staff in the organisation.
Ten additional staff have been enrolled for FY25/26, with the option to pursue either the Diploma of Project Management or Diploma of Materiel Logistics through Aimpoint.
Saab Australia’s Managing Director Andy Keough CSC said: “This partnership with Aimpoint demonstrates how industry can play a leading role in supporting veterans to thrive in civilian careers, while retaining valuable experience within Australia’s defence sector.”
SAVEN continues to bring together employers with a genuine interest and commitment to improving employment outcomes for veterans and their partners – learn more.
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Photo: pictured on his graduation day at Saab’s Mawson Lakes site is Saab Australia Maintenance Manager Daniel Grayson being congratulated by (left) Minister for Veterans Affairs, the Hon. Joe Szakacs MP and Aimpoint CEO Mark Robinson.
