First trainees and apprentices commence pathways programs to grow South Australia's skilled defence industry workforce

Two new pathways programs established by the Albanese Government in partnership with the Malinauskas Government have commenced as part of a critical step towards delivering the nation’s future defence industry workforce.

The Defence Industry Pathways Program and the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways pilot initiative began today in South Australia with a first cohort of 30 trainees and apprentices.

A strong defence industry in South Australia will be critical to delivering the nation’s future conventionally‑armed, nuclear‑powered submarines and major surface combatant vessels, including the Hunter class frigate. These capabilities will support thousands of jobs and underpin over $30 billion in investment in the state over the next decade.

Almost 300 more young South Australians will have access to the new training and employment pathways, to equip them with the skills needed for a career in the state’s vibrant defence industry.

Specifically tailored to the skilling requirements for Australia’s maritime sector, the programs offer young trainees and apprentices’ unparalleled opportunities to obtain qualifications in critical areas that will enhance the defence industry workforce of the future.

• The Defence Industry Pathways Program is a 12-month paid traineeship that will provide training and hands-on experience across various sectors of the defence industry, supporting 150 trainees over three years.
• The Shipbuilding Employment Pathways program will attract and recruit apprentices in critical trades to increase Australia's domestic skilled labour supply within the nuclear-powered submarine and naval shipbuilding and sustainment industries. Funding will support 125 apprentices to commence their trade qualifications over the next two years.

At its peak, up to 5,500 direct jobs are forecast to be created in South Australia for the build of nuclear-powered submarines, while the construction of the Hunter class frigates at Osborne will sustain at least 2,000 jobs and create at least 500 new jobs over the next decade.

Peer Education Employment & Training Ltd (PEER) was selected in November to support these programs as the Group Training Organisation, in partnership with TAFE SA as the Registered Training Organisation.

Expressions of interest to join the next intake of the Defence Industry Pathways Program and the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways programs can be made here: https://peer.com.au/careers/.

Businesses interested in becoming involved in the program can register their interest here: https://peer.com.au/host-a-peer-apprentice and https://peer.com.au/host-a-peer-trainee.

More details about the workforce initiatives underway to support the construction of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines can be accessed here: https://www.asa.gov.au/jobs-careers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy:

“The Defence Industry Pathways Program has already supported hundreds of trainees in Western Australia into rewarding and stable careers in sectors critical to Australia’s security and prosperity.

“The expansion of this program, alongside the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways program, into South Australia is an important step to build the skills we need to be ready for the construction of Australia’s nuclear-powered submarines in Osborne later this decade.

“South Australia is at the centre of the largest and most complex Defence Industry project in Australia’s history. These two programs provide an incredibly valuable opportunity for young South Australians to attain the skills to give them jobs for life.”

Quotes attributable to South Australian Minister for Defence and Space Industries, Stephen Mullighan:

“The SSN-AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine program represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for South Australians to be a part of a world-leading Defence project.

“The Defence Industry Pathways Program and Shipbuilding Employment Pathways initiative enable people of all ages and stages of their careers to get involved, ensuring South Australia’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed for this monumental task.

“These programs are not only a critical investment in the future of our state’s workforce, but they also open the door to high-quality, secure careers in one of the most pivotal sectors for Australia’s national security.”