A whole-of-nation workforce
A broad range of workforce initiatives are already underway and available to Australians now.
This includes through the newly established TAFE Centres of Excellence in South Australia and Western Australia, thousands of STEM scholarships and university places, and graduate, apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs to build the skills Australia needs. These pathways complement bespoke training activities to upskill the Nuclear-Powered Submarine workforce, including international placements for RAN, APS and industry personnel in the US and UK. These initiatives are designed inclusively, ensuring under‑represented groups have accessible pathways into the nuclear‑powered submarine workforce.
Workforce initiatives
Under the Strategy, two new workforce initiatives are being rolled out to strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability and support the growing demands of the AUKUS enterprise across South Australia and Western Australia.
- Tradie2Trainer - Supporting experienced tradespeople in South Australia to transition into training roles in critical disciplines such as welding, fabrication, and mechanical and electrical work. The program will boost trainer capacity, expand workforce pipelines, and help ensure the next generation of skilled workers is job-ready.
- Non-trade Priority Role Traineeship - Supporting up to 100 early-career participants through a two-year program. The initiative will provide hands-on industry experience across South Australia and Western Australia in quality control, project scheduling and logistics, helping to build the broader professional workforce needed to deliver the program.
Existing programs
Recognising the importance of sustained investment in critical entry-level training pathways, investment under the Strategy is also bolstering and expanding existing programs to build on their success. This includes:
- Expanding the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways from South Australia to Western Australia
- Continuing the Defence Industry Pathways Program in South Australia
- Bolstering the South Australian Degree Apprenticeship Program.
This will ensure young Australians and career changes are able to access coherent and known training pathways into the nuclear-powered submarine program for years to come. Collectively, this increased investment will support at least 275 apprentices and trainees, with further growth through expanded degree apprenticeship places.
Alignment with existing strategies
The Strategy complements and aligns with:
- 2026 National Defence Strategy(Opens in a new tab/window)
- The AUKUS Submarine Industry Strategy
- The Defence Industry Development Strategy(Opens in a new tab/window)
- The Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Plan(Opens in a new tab/window)
- The Defence Workforce Plan 2024–2034(Opens in a new tab/window)
Australians will be at the centre of building, operating and sustaining this capability — securing our future through sovereign expertise and long-term career opportunity.