How Engineering Industries Group (EIG) Is Creating Value as a DIIGS Host Employer
For EIG Australia, becoming a host employer in the Defence Industry Internship and Graduate Scholarship (DIIGS) Program was a strategic decision that delivers clear business value while supporting the development of emerging defence talent.
As a niche organisation specialising in fuel infrastructure with integrated electrical systems, EIG operates in a highly specialised environment where skills must translate seamlessly across disciplines. Hosting interns through DIIGS enables EIG to build capability from the ground up, while exposing graduates to the realities of complex defence projects.
“EIG chose to participate in the DIIGS Program because we are passionate about developing future leaders in a highly specialised field.”
Daniel Johnson, Managing Director
By embedding interns into real project environments, EIG gains additional capacity, fresh thinking and early visibility of emerging talent. Interns, in turn, gain practical, job-ready experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom.
Real Business Value, Not Just Work Experience
One of the most compelling benefits of being a DIIGS host employer has been the tangible impact interns have had on the way EIG operates. Rather than observing from the sidelines, interns are embedded in live projects and encouraged to question existing processes and contribute ideas that improve outcomes.
“The DIIGS Program has encouraged us to look critically at how we work. Interns have questioned steps we’ve taken for granted, which led us to simplify and tighten some of our procedures and documentation.”
Daniel Johnson, Managing Director
This approach has delivered practical improvements. As part of the DIIGS Program, interns reviewed how EIG’s project builds were documented. By questioning why certain steps were assumed rather than clearly defined, they identified gaps in existing work packs. This led to the development of more structured work packs that clearly set out the full project build process, key responsibilities and required checks.
The result has been clearer documentation, improved consistency across projects and reduced inefficiencies for site teams, supporting stronger project delivery well beyond the placement itself.
Building Capability Today and a Pipeline for Tomorrow
Beyond short-term contributions, DIIGS supports EIG’s long-term workforce strategy by connecting the business with motivated graduates early in their careers. Hosting interns provides a low-risk, high-value opportunity to assess potential, attitude and cultural fit in a real working environment.
“Investing in young talent through programs like DIIGS is essential for the long-term success of our industry. It’s about shaping the next generation of professionals who will drive innovation and maintain Australia’s sovereign capability.”
Daniel Johnson, Managing Director
Supported to Succeed as a Host Employer
EIG’s positive experience as a host employer has been supported by Programmed Apprenticeships and Traineeships, which manages candidate screening, interviews and the coordination of the work placements through the DIIGS program. This removes much of the administrative burden and allows EIG to focus on integrating interns into live projects and delivering outcomes.
Why Host Employers Choose DIIGS
EIG’s experience shows that hosting through DIIGS is not just about giving back. Interns bring fresh perspectives, support project delivery, help refine processes and contribute to building a future-ready workforce.
For defence businesses considering becoming a host employer, DIIGS offers a proven way to build capability, reduce recruitment risk and invest in the next generation, with the support of Programmed Apprenticeships and Traineeships throughout the placement.
