Defence apprenticeship programs launch in South Australia for submarine and shipbuilding workforce

South Australia welcomed its first cohort of 30 trainees and apprentices under two new defence industry pathways programs aimed at building the skilled workforce needed for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines and naval vessels, Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy announced on Monday.

The Defence Industry Pathways Program and the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways initiative will ultimately provide training opportunities for nearly 300 young South Australians, equipping them with skills for careers in the state’s defence industry.

“South Australia is at the centre of the largest and most complex Defence Industry project in Australia’s history,” Conroy said. “These two programs provide an incredibly valuable opportunity for young South Australians to attain the skills to give them jobs for life.”

The 12-month Defence Industry Pathways Program will support 150 paid traineeships over three years, while the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways program will fund 125 apprenticeships in critical trades over the next two years.

Both programs are delivered by Peer Education Employment & Training in partnership with TAFE SA.

The initiatives support South Australia’s central role in delivering Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines and Hunter class frigates, projects expected to support thousands of jobs and represent over $30 billion in investment in the state over the next decade.

At peak production, up to 5,500 direct jobs are forecast for submarine construction, while the Hunter class frigate project at Osborne will sustain at least 2,000 jobs and create 500 new positions.

South Australian Defence and Space Industries Minister Stephen Mullighan described the programs as “a critical investment in the future of our state’s workforce.”

Picture: credit Defense SA/Facebook