New investment in skills paves the way for AUKUS workforce
Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine program will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in the nation's history – exceeding in scale, complexity, and economic significance the creation of an Australian automotive manufacturing sector and the construction of the Snowy Hydro Scheme.
Nuclear Taskforce Chairman, Michael Sharpe said "We are bringing industry and researchers together to support Defence projects for today and for the decades to come. We are working to help plan and build the skilled workforce needed for Australia’s future."
Infrastructure for Australia
A new submarine base will be built on the east coast of Australia to support the nation’s new nuclear-powered submarines, providing deployment opportunities in both the Indian and Pacific oceans.
In the US at Newport News Shipping (NNS) Virginia, a Multi-Class Submarine Production Facility, funded jointly by the US Navy and Huntington Ingall Industries (HII) is part of US$1.9 billion in capital investments HII is making at NNS between 2016 and 2025. NNS is one of only two shipyards capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines for the U.S. Navy.
Technical Skills to work on Nation-Changing Projects
Developing a pipeline of highly skilled STEM graduates and a talented skilled workforce will build Australia’s sovereign industry capabilities, playing a crucial role in delivering on our AUKUS commitments, and strengthening national security.
Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles said:
“The Albanese Government understands that front and centre of the success of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines will be the many thousands of Australians who help build them. “We need to start investing in those skills now – this is a project which starts this year and will span decades with enormous opportunities.”
Boosting Australia's Skills and Industry Capabilities
The first major initiative of AUKUS was the historic trilateral decision to support Australia acquiring conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. A Joint Leaders Statement has announced the pathway to achieve this critical capability.
"This plan is designed to support Australia’s development of the infrastructure, technical capabilities, industry and human capital necessary to produce, maintain, operate, and steward a sovereign fleet of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines. Australia is fully committed to responsible stewardship of naval nuclear propulsion technology."
Skills and Training for AUKUS
Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy said:
“The AUKUS submarine program will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in Australian history.
“Young Australians starting training now have a bright future ahead of them with secure high skilled, well paid jobs that will make an important contribution to Australia’s defence industry and our national security.”
Thousands of new jobs for Australians
While HMAS Stirling in Western Australia will continue as the west coast submarine base, the new east coast base will be the home port for half of the new nuclear-powered submarine fleet, supported by industry for operations and maintenance. The economic benefits to the chosen location will be significant: a spend in the region of $5–10 billion to develop the base, ongoing employment of 3,000 to 5,000 personnel, and an array of industries and services supporting these workers and their families. As an example, the Garden Island Defence Precinct in Sydney injects an estimated $842 million into its local economy annually, with around $286 million in salaries.
Collaboration with Industry, Academia and Government
The AUKUS Forum provides Australian industry, academia, and government with a dedicated think tank and skills forum designed to provide jobs and boost the economy to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities now opening up as a result of the formation of the AUKUS alliance between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
See the AUKUS Forum here