How Pressure Dynamics Is Shaping WA’s Defence Workforce
As Western Australia sharpens its focus on sovereign defence capability, employers like Pressure Dynamics are leading the charge by building strong, skilled pipelines from the ground up.
A host employer in the Defence Industry Internship and Graduate Scholarship (DIIGS) Program, Pressure Dynamics, is demonstrating how strategic talent development can benefit both business and the nation.
“Pressure Dynamics identified the DIIGS Program as a strategic opportunity to connect with emerging talent in the defence sector, support the development of Australia’s national workforce, and help strengthen the country’s defence industry capabilities,” says George Varughese, People & Culture Manager at Pressure Dynamics.
“We were especially drawn to the program’s focus on innovation, advanced technical skills, and long-term workforce sustainability, which closely aligns with our specialised engineering expertise.”
From Ideas to Impact
Over the past 12 months, Pressure Dynamics has welcomed 11 students through the program, with another placement scheduled to start soon.
“The DIIGS program has created a strong pipeline of talented individuals who contribute fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and up-to-date academic knowledge,”
“Their willingness to question established methods encourages us to reassess and refine our current practices. This ongoing exchange of ideas has fostered a more innovative and forward-thinking culture within our teams.”
From Placement to Pipeline
The DIIGS model is designed to do more than fill short-term resource gaps. It supports long-term talent strategy—an aspect that Pressure Dynamics sees as essential to success.
“The program has been instrumental in identifying high-potential individuals early in their careers. It allows us to assess skills, cultural fit, and long-term potential before offering permanent roles. As a result, we’re able to build a robust, future-ready workforce aligned with both our technical requirements and organisational values” says George.
Partnering with Programmed
Behind the scenes, Programmed Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Workforce Training play a key role in ensuring seamless coordination and support for both employers and interns.
“Programmed Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Workforce Training offered thorough support during recruitment, onboarding, and placement. Their expert coordination, precise candidate matching, and efficient administrative assistance ensured a smooth process for both interns and our internal teams, enabling us to concentrate on providing valuable, practical experiences.”
Leadership Backing, Real Outcomes
Investing in early talent is not only a workforce necessity—it’s a leadership commitment, says the team at Pressure Dynamics.
“As leaders, we view investing in young talent as both a duty and a strategic priority. Initiatives like DIIGS not only reinforce the future of our industry but also empower us to develop the next generation of professionals. This commitment guarantees the ongoing growth of expertise, innovation, and competitiveness in the defence sector.” George explained.
Advice for Other Employers
Pressure Dynamics encourages other employers to recognise the long-term value of internships:
“View internships as a long-term investment rather than a temporary resource. Give interns meaningful responsibilities, offer guidance through mentorship, and fully integrate them into your teams to unlock their full potential.”
To support intern success, George advises:
“Employers should establish clear goals, deliver structured onboarding, and provide consistent feedback. Fostering a supportive environment that encourages interns to ask questions and take initiative is essential.
Reflecting on the experience, he notes:
“One of the most rewarding experiences is watching interns and graduates develop—from navigating their initial learning curve to becoming confident, valuable contributors. Seeing their ideas come to life in real-world projects and knowing we’ve helped launch meaningful careers brings a deep sense of fulfilment.”
Be Part of the Solution
For employers in Western Australia’s defence supply chain, DIIGS represents a practical, proven approach to developing capability from the ground up.
George highlights the benefits: “The benefits—increased innovation, improved talent retention, and a stronger organizational culture—make the effort truly worthwhile.”
If you’re thinking about getting involved, take it from Pressure Dynamics: the time to invest in talent is now.
Interested in hosting an intern or graduate?
Programmed is here to help make it happen. Reach out to learn more about how the DIIGS Program could work in your business.
