Anyone who opts for degree in a STEM subject rarely has to worry about their career prospects. The demand for qualified professionals in these fields is immense, with far more demand than offered. However, the potential of women remains largely untapped. Female engineers and technicians are still in the minority in research and industry. But why is that? Structural barriers and outdated stereotypes often play a significant role.

Breaking up these structures is a key goal of Rheinmetall—not just in Germany, but worldwide. The corporation has long committed itself to diversity and inclusion. Thanks to targeted initiatives and an inclusive corporate culture, a shift in the trend is becoming increasingly visible. Rheinmetall Defence Australia is leading the way in this effort.

Summer internship – perfect for students

At Rheinmetall’s subsidiary Down Under, the recruiting of young technical talents is a top priority, especially in increasing the proportion of women in STEM fields. And with great success: while in the 2022/23 training year, ‘only’ 26% of trainees in STEM areas were women, this figure rose to an impressive 58% in 2023/24.

The summer internship programme launched by Rheinmetall Defence Australia in 2022 for aspiring engineers proved to be an instant success. Running from November to February this initiative targets top-performing students towards the final stages of their bachelor’s degree. It offers a combination of professional development, practical experience, and industry-specific insights. This approach helps to identify and engage outstanding talents early on, with many interns receiving job offers afterwards: a perfect match for both, the company and young professionals.

Promotion and support

As a long-standing partner of WORK180 – an organization that assesses employers against strict equality and diversity criteria – Rheinmetall Defence Australia is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. The company’s early alignment with WORK180 standards underscores its dedication to empowering women in technical roles and removing structural barriers – through initiatives such as mentoring programs, flexible working models and targeted leadership training. With this approach, Rheinmetall aims to attract, retain and develop female talent over the long term. After all, the choice of employer for young women at the start of their careers often depends on whether other women are already successfully established in STEM roles within the company.

Women, apply!

At Rheinmetall, and not only in Australia, the advancement of women is not just an empty phrase, it is a way of life. The Women@Rheinmetall network provides women with an internal forum for knowledge transfer, exchange and advice. Over 750 female Rheinmetall employees from a wide range of departments and hierarchical levels from a total of 33 countries are now integrated into this network. Rheinmetall proves that technological and scientific careers can be open to everyone. Young women in particular find inspiration and support for their professional future here.