Major boost for South Australia's naval shipbuilding workforce

The Morrison Government’s Naval Shipbuilding College has joined forces with the South Australian Government to help jobseekers capitalise on thousands of shipbuilding job opportunities in the State.

South Australian Premier Steven Marshall today endorsed the Naval Shipbuilding College and the value the Federal Government initiative is adding for states and territories focused on growing their shipbuilding and sustainment workforce.

Minister for Defence Industry, Melissa Price congratulated Premier Marshall for working with the College to support new workforce opportunities in the sector.

Minister Price said South Australia was capitalising on key data and analysis to leave itself well-positioned to deliver on the Morrison Government’s continuous naval shipbuilding program.

“By 2030 our shipbuilding sector will support about 15,000 jobs across Australia,” Minister Price said.

“Both the Hunter class frigates and the Attack class submarines will be built at Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

“By the end of the decade these two construction programs will directly employ over 4,000 Australians, with many more employed in the supply chain.

“Two Arafura class Offshore Patrol Vessels are also currently under construction at Osborne.

“As a Government we are committed to ensuring we have the required workforce, with the necessary skills, at the right time, to capitalise on our $270 billion investment in Australia’s defence capability.

“It is for this reason that the Coalition Government set up the Naval Shipbuilding College in 2018.

“The College is helping states, territories, Prime contractors and Australian businesses to develop workforce growth strategies and business support strategies to boost shipbuilding and naval sustainment sectors.

“Through cooperation with all levels of government, including South Australia, the College is working to establish and develop new workforce pipelines and ensure there are clear career pathways for jobseekers into the naval shipbuilding sector.”

Minister Price said the College was ensuring there was a coordinated, national approach to developing a workforce capable of carrying out the greatest regeneration of maritime capability in Australia since World War Two.

The College also provides tailored career and training advice to jobseekers who are registered on its workforce register.

Australians seeking further information about the opportunities in the naval shipbuilding sector can receive tailored advice by registering at www.navalshipbuildingcollege.com.au