Project launched to develop n-submarine construction skills

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (Manufacturing Alliance) has launched a national project to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in defence manufacturing, including submarine manufacturing now underway.

The move follows Wednesday's announcement of the start of the industrial campaign which will ultimately see BAE Systems and ASC construct SSN-AUKUS nuclear powered submarines at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide.

The Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles launched the Building a Defence Manufacturing Workforce project to develop a national roadmap for a coordinated, consistent skills system response.

By fostering collaboration with key industry partners, this project aims to secure Australia’s sovereignty through an empowered, highly skilled workforce, according to an announcement.

The CEO of the Manufacturing Alliance Sharon Robertson said: “Australia’s defence manufacturing industry is key to enabling our nation’s strategic priorities.

“By investing in its workforce, we are investing in the future of Australia and the security of our nation.”

Constructing nuclear powered SSN-AUKUS submarines in Australia will create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years, with up to 8,500 direct jobs in the industrial workforce.

At its peak, up to 4,000 workers will be employed to design and build the infrastructure for the submarine construction yard in Osborne, and 4,000-5,500 direct jobs are needed to build the vessels themselves.

The Manufacturing Alliance is central to a structured and forward looking approach that supports the defence manufacturing sector and national security priorities.

The project just launched offers several critical benefits: aligning skills development efforts with Australia’s strategic goals, enhancing defence capabilities, and bolstering the manufacturing sector to achieve sovereign capability.

Robertson said: “Building sovereign capability requires not only skilled technicians but also a world-class skills system that can evolve with our needs.

“Apprentices are the cornerstone of Australia’s defence manufacturing future..”

The Acting Managing Director, BAE Systems Australia – Maritime Paul Berryman said the outcomes of the project would influence Australia’s manufacturing landscape.

Berryman said: “We have already seen the rapid pace at which processes and tools advance at our manufacturing sites including Osborne.”

Further reading:
ASC, BAE Systems to begin planning, procurement to build SSN-AUKUS submarines

Picture: ASC Pty Ltd/ASC constructed and maintains the Collins class submarines