South Australians looking to kickstart a career in the defence industry will have more opportunities to get involved, with a new $88 million Federal Government funding boost set to expand apprenticeships, traineeships and skilled career pathways.
The investment forms part of Australia’s newly launched Nuclear-Powered Submarine Workforce Strategy, which aims to build the workforce needed to deliver the nation’s future nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS agreement.
And for South Australia, the opportunities are significant.
With Osborne set to become the manufacturing hub for Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines, the state is preparing for a major increase in demand for skilled workers over the coming years.
At least 4,000 workers are expected to be needed to design and construct the $30 billion Nuclear-Powered Submarine Construction Yard at Osborne, while a further 5,500 direct jobs will support submarine production.
The new funding will help more South Australians gain the qualifications, training and practical experience needed to secure a role in the growing industry.
Among the new initiatives is the Tradie2Trainer program, which will support experienced tradespeople to move into teaching and training roles. The program will focus on essential skills such as welding, fabrication, mechanical work and electrical trades, helping prepare the next generation of apprentices.
Another initiative, the Professional Submarine Pathways Program, will provide up to 100 early-career participants with two years of practical industry experience across South Australia and Western Australia.
Participants will gain exposure to areas including quality control, project scheduling and coordination, opening up career opportunities beyond traditional trades.
The Commonwealth Government has also indicated that the investment will support at least 275 apprentices and trainees across SA and WA, alongside an expansion of existing degree apprenticeship opportunities.
The announcement will also extend programs already operating in South Australia, including the South Australian Degree Apprenticeship Program and Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP).
DIPP has already supported 110 participants through training and employment opportunities with PEER and industry partners, with more than 70 per cent securing work in the defence industry after completing their traineeships.
Minister for State Development Chris Picton said the investment would help ensure South Australians benefit from the opportunities ahead.
“AUKUS is a once in a generation opportunity for our state so it’s critical we grow, train and retain the workforce needed to deliver these submarines.”
“We need more young people choosing to become electricians, welders and fitters.”
Minister for Education, Training and Skills Lucy Hood said the funding would strengthen the state’s training capabilities.
“This additional investment will boost our efforts to strengthen the local workforce and prepare graduates helping to deliver AUKUS.”
PEER Chief Executive Officer Brian Rungie also welcomed the announcement.
“There has never been a better time to enrol in an apprenticeship or traineeship in South Australia than right now!”
The funding builds on the State Government’s existing $27 million commitment to create more than 1,000 defence industry training and employment opportunities, alongside a $150 million investment in new technical colleges at Marden, Gawler and Murray Bridge.
The three new campuses will expand South Australia’s technical college network to eight, providing more young people with pathways into apprenticeships, further education and skilled employment.
With thousands of jobs expected to be created through the submarine program in the decades ahead, the latest investment aims to ensure South Australians have the skills to take advantage of one of the state’s largest industrial projects.
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