Australia’s Defence sector is growing at speed. With the momentum of initiatives like AUKUS, sovereign capability goals, and major national projects on the horizon, the demand for specialist talent has surged. But while the sector’s investment and ambition continue to rise, the workforce is under pressure and businesses are feeling the impact.
Skilled professionals are at the centre of this transformation but finding them is no easy task. Engineers, cyber security experts, procurement professionals and logistics specialists are in short supply, particularly those with the NV1, NV2 or PV security clearance required to operate in this space. These roles aren’t just hard to fill, they’re mission-critical. And when delays happen, delivery suffers.
Adding to the challenge, security clearance timelines can stretch over many months. This can leave internal teams in limbo, stalling project momentum and putting added strain on those already in place. With deadlines looming, many organisations find themselves scrambling to plug gaps at the last minute, often without the right people in place.
Another common roadblock is short-term workforce planning. While most Defence projects span years (even decades), recruitment often focuses only on immediate needs. The result? Rushed hires, lack of continuity, and teams stretched thin just when they need to be scaling up.
At the same time, veteran talent remains one of the sector’s greatest untapped resources. Veterans and DIPP graduates offer a wealth of technical expertise, leadership, and discipline, yet too often, their experience isn’t fully understood or utilised in commercial settings. It’s a missed opportunity that leaves both candidates and businesses short-changed.
Then there’s the question of workforce structure. With scopes shifting and timelines changing, it’s difficult to know when to invest in permanent staff and when to scale up with short-term contractors. Getting that balance right, while managing compliance, risk and cost is a challenge in itself.
This is where PERSOLKELLY comes in.
We work with Defence primes, SMEs and consultancies to provide strategic, flexible workforce solutions tailored to this complex environment. We connect our clients to a deep network of skilled, off-market professionals, including many who hold active security clearances and are ready to deploy. We help businesses align their recruitment approach with project milestones, ensuring continuity, capability and confidence.
We also champion veteran employment, with consultants who understand Defence backgrounds and can translate them into commercial value, placing candidates where they’ll thrive and make a real impact.
Whether you’re looking to scale up, secure pre-cleared contractors, or develop a future-ready workforce plan, PERSOLKELLY is your partner in navigating the Defence talent landscape. Contact us today to secure the talent you need to thrive
