Australian industry opportunities
There will be significant opportunities for Australian industry to be part of Australia’s conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine program – from the delivery of the Submarine Construction Yard in Osborne, South Australia and infrastructure works at HMAS Stirling, Western Australia to the build of our SSN-AUKUS submarines, their operation, sustainment and eventual decommissioning and disposal. Additionally, there will be opportunities for involvement in the supply chains of our AUKUS partners by contributing to the maintenance of their submarines and manufacturing components for their production lines.
Australian industry will have opportunities to contribute right from the beginning, working with ASC Pty Ltd (ASC) as the Sovereign Submarine Partner for sustainment, as well as with the collaborative alliance and eventual Joint Venture between ASC and BAE Systems as the Sovereign Submarine Partner for the build of our SSN-AUKUS submarines.
Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program
The AUKUS partners initiated the Defence Industry Vendor Qualification Program in January 2024 to streamline and accelerate the qualification of Australian companies into trilateral supply chains, initially targeting the qualification of suppliers of machine fittings and valves into the US. Already 26 Australian suppliers are being supported to qualify their products in the US submarine supply chain as part of the program.
A second phase of US qualification will commence mid-year targeting machined parts, electrical components and medium valves, with a further three phases planned for other major product families over the coming 18 months. Qualification of Australian suppliers will be completed against the major product families critical to sustaining Virginia class submarines in time for Submarine Rotational Force - West.
Concurrently, planning for a similar program focused on the UK conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine supply chain is underway, with a view to aligning with the anticipated needs of the SSN-AUKUS. This program is planned to commence in parallel with the second phase of US qualification with a focus on Australian electrical components and battery suppliers.
Once qualified, Australian companies will be well positioned to contribute to the supply of the items and components that make up each submarine and thus contribute to a more resilient, trilateral industrial base.
As each phase commences, all registered companies will receive a package outlining the details of the phase and the product families the opportunities relate to, including information on how to get involved.
Qualification is an essential step for participation in supply chains for any of the phases. To stay connected, register on the Industry Portal(Opens in a new tab/window).
For more information on employment and supply chain opportunities visit the ASC website(Opens in a new tab/window).
Industrial workforce skills and training
The Optimal Pathway for Australia to acquire a conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capability will create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years across industry, the Australian Defence Force and the Australian Public Service
Traineeships
The Defence Industry Pathways Program is a 12-month paid traineeship, providing exposure to several fields - manufacturing and engineering, cyber security, computing, logistics, procurements and technical drawing – prior to deciding on a maritime defence pathway for their future. The first intake was March 2025 with more to come.
If you are interested in a defence industry traineeship, visit the PEER Shipbuilding Employment Pathways Initiative webpage(Opens in a new tab/window).
Apprenticeships
Growing the number of apprentices in critical trades, the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways (SEP) initiative is a four-year paid apprenticeship offering extensive on-the-job experience in industries and occupations critical for the future NPS program and its supply chain, that will gain you either:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical or;
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician
If you are interested in joining the nuclear-powered submarine program, visit the PEER Shipbuilding Employment Pathways(Opens in a new tab/window) Initiative webpage.
Skilled workers
If you are looking to make your next career move and build on your skills, learn more about upskilling and retraining opportunities on the Defence Industry(Opens in a new tab/window) website.