How to join the AUKUS workforce
Australia’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine (NPS) program will be one of the most complex and consequential industrial transformations in Australian history, providing incredible opportunities for Australia’s innovative and highly regarded industry and workforce. The collective effort of thousands of highly skilled Australian scientists, engineers, project managers, operators, technicians and submariners will be required over the coming decades to deliver this program and maintain this capability throughout its life.
Australians will be employed across:
- Australian Defence Force (ADF)
- Australian Public Service (APS)
- Defence Industry Partners
Over the next 30 years, there will be:
- $30 billion investment in Australia’s industrial base
- Around 20,000 jobs created
- Significant investment in additional training, skilling, and educational programs
Australian Government steps taken
The Government is already taking steps to grow a skilled and experienced workforce, including:
Pathways
Skills and Training Academy
To support the development of Australia’s NPS workforce, a Skills and Training Academy Campus is being built in close proximity to the South Australian Osborne Submarine Construction Yard.
From 2028, the Skills and Training Academy Campus will provide the training and qualifications needed by the NPS industrial workforce.
Defence Industry Pathways Program
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.
Shipbuilding Employment Pathways
Growing the number of apprentices in critical trades, the Shipbuilding Employment Pathways 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:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology – Electrician
Working at the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)
The ASA will need school-leavers, skilled people with technical trades and graduates with degrees – Be part of delivering this historic capability and undertake interesting, challenging and unique work.
You are able to undertake interesting, challenging and unique work. This ranges from intelligence and strategic policy right through to human resources, communications, infrastructure and engineering, and information technology.
Nuclear Graduate Program
Our Nuclear Graduate Program pathways offer graduates the opportunity to contribute to the ASA and make unique and lasting impacts.
As a graduate, you will work alongside a diverse team of dedicated professionals and gain valuable insight from experts across various fields. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and innovative tools that drive our mission forward.
Each rotation will fully integrate graduates into nuclear agencies (internal & external) and multiple disciplinary streams to help graduates meet their full potential, identify a preferred nuclear career pathway and provide unique learning and career progression opportunities.
The ASA provides graduates with two pathways:
Potential AUKUS Optimal Pathway careers
Listed below are some of the potential AUKUS Optimal Pathway careers across the next 30 years.
Career Quiz
Working with us
Join the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) for an exciting career! Discover unique experiences and opportunities that you won't find anywhere else as an APS employee. Dive into your future with us!
Working with us
At the ASA, you will enjoy experiences and opportunities that, as an APS employee, you simply would not get in any other organisation.
You are able to undertake interesting, challenging and unique work. This ranges from intelligence and strategic policy right through to human resources, communications, infrastructure and engineering, and information technology.
