WHAT IS Kinect Sa?

Formerly known as DEGSA, KinectSA is a non profit organisation aiming to strengthen the defence industry in South Australia, through our mission:

Forging pathways into STEM; breaking the defence industry stigma, through passion and individuality.

We do this through three key objectives;

Inspiring the next generation of the STEM Community by building a bridge from industry directly to high schools, breaking down barriers into STEM and starting the pipeline.
Attracting university level STEM students to the defence industry through events that showcase what working as a graduate engineer really looks like.
Engaging current STEM workforce graduates in the defence community by providing them with unique and exclusive professional development and networking opportunities.

INSPIRE: FUTURE OF ENGINEERING

The engineering sector faces a significant challenge in attracting and nurturing the next generation of talent. Many high school students lack exposure to engineering role models and real-world insights into what it means to be an engineer, especially in the defence industry. This gap can lead to a disconnect between young students and the opportunities available in this crucial field, limiting their potential to contribute to Australia's engineering landscape.
The Inspire pillar of Kinect is committed to bridging this gap by using our greatest asset—our network of graduate engineers. We aim to increase the visibility of young engineers in high schools, providing students with role models who can offer guidance, share their experiences, and inspire them to pursue engineering careers. Through targeted initiatives, we are creating a safe and supportive environment where students can explore engineering and envision themselves as part of the future workforce.

Awareness of the defence industry and its opportunities among graduate engineers and the general public is often limited. Many potential engineers lack a clear understanding of what it's like to work in this vital sector, which can deter them from pursuing careers in defence. This lack of awareness not only affects the industry’s ability to attract new talent but also hinders the growth and development of future engineering leaders.
The Attract pillar of Kinect is focused on bridging this awareness gap by hosting events across South Australia and beyond. These events provide graduate engineers and the public with an inside look at the defence industry, showcasing what it’s like to work in this dynamic field. By bringing together high-level industry leaders to share their experiences, we offer a platform for learning, networking, and fostering connections that can lead to meaningful careers in defence engineering.

Graduate engineers in the defence industry often face challenges in finding accredited professional development opportunities that are both engaging and tailored to their unique needs. Without access to these opportunities, their growth and potential within the industry can be limited, impacting their ability to contribute effectively to defence projects and innovations.
The Engage pillar of Kinect is dedicated to addressing this gap by creating and promoting accredited professional development opportunities specifically for graduate engineers in defence. We partner with leading organisations to provide hands-on experiences and challenges that not only enhance technical skills but also foster creativity and innovation. Our initiatives are designed to keep engineers at the forefront of the industry, equipping them with the knowledge and experience needed to excel.