Naval skills courses to be accredited nationwide

Courses at TAFE Queensland have been endorsed by the Naval Shipbuilding College which is developing a national approach to developing skills for this growing industry.

So far, TAFE Queensland and TAFE SA have endorsed programmes of study.

The college’s David Whetstone said: ““TAFE SA and TAFE Queensland were the first providers in the nation to achieve endorsement for the Certificate III in Engineering-Fabrication Trade (welding component).

“The tremendous support shown by Australia’s training and education providers will ensure students gain the skills and confidence they need to secure naval shipbuilding jobs with build, sustainment and supply chain functions.”

Other institutions including the Australian Maritime College, Flinders University, Charles Darwin University, TAFE NSW, Chisholm TAFE and Box Hill Institute have committed to an endorsement process.

The college is working with others in every state and territory to identify more programmes of study that offer direct pathways into shipbuilding careers.

Australia is moving towards a continuous naval shipbuilding future, which will avoid the peaks and troughs which hampered industry in the past.

the Navy has on order 12 Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels, nine Hunter class anti-submarine Frigates and 12 Attack class submarines.

More than 15,000 skilled and professional jobs will be created to support shipbuilders, as well as sustainment and supply industries.

Subscribe to our free @AuManufacturing newsletter here.