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Name: Amy
Degree: Bachelor of Mechanical Chemistry 
Pathway: STEM (Technical)

The graduate program has been an incredible experience, allowing me to continue learning about areas of science I find fascinating. It has also provided the opportunity to work in various fields alongside remarkable people.

First rotation

My first rotation within the Australian Submarine Agency was challenging and rewarding. I quickly adapted to working within the agency, Defence, the government, and industry as a whole, while simultaneously expanding my knowledge of radiation physics.

 Although there was a lot to learn, the strong support from my supervisor and colleagues made the experience highly fulfilling.

Second rotation

For my second rotation, I had the opportunity to complete an interstate placement at Defence Science and Technology Group in Melbourne. 

This experience not only expanded my understanding of radiation physics but also introduced me to the use of computer simulations to model radiation. 

It was a great chance to expand my technical knowledge while building valuable connections with experienced professionals in radiation science. 

At the end of the rotation, I was able to bring the knowledge and expertise I gained back the Australian Submarine Agency, where I successfully completed the graduate program.

The Nuclear Graduate Program is an incredible opportunity, and I highly encourage future graduates to make the most of all the learning experiences it provides. Each rotation offers unique insights and skills that will be valuable in shaping a successful career.

Name: Andrew
Degree: Engineering
Pathway: STEM (Technical)

What's your job about?

In my current rotation with the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) I am contributing towards the AUKUS partnership through the safe and secure acquisition of our submarines which is a novel experience. This is the most significant military procurement, engineering project, and industrial overhaul to occur in Australia's history to date.

Before this, I worked on projects that gave me unique insights into what was then for me the foreign world of how policy, politics, and diplomacy are carried out behind the scenes.

I have also had the opportunity to participate in an external rotation with one of the ASA’s key industry partners. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I was able to go onboard a submarine regularly and work with experienced engineers on complex tasks. The sheer amount of knowledge and experience held by longstanding employees was arguably the most valuable learning experience of my career so far.

What's your background?

After graduating from university, I applied to join the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) entry-level program for their 2024 intake. Before this, I had been working part-time at quarries and mines. I applied for the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) graduate role because I wanted to do something more purposeful with my degree that I could look back on, and work somewhere more meaningful to me than international corporations.

After progressing through the various aspects of the recruitment process, I was selected by the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) to join them as a technical graduate.

Towards the end of my first rotation, the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) Nuclear Graduate Program Team approached me with an opportunity to participate in an external rotation pilot before they officially commenced delivery of the program for the 2025 intake. The prospect of an external rotation with one of the Australian Submarine Agency’s (ASA) key industry contractors was an exciting opportunity so I accepted.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, someone with a different background could do my role. The experience I have gained during the Nuclear Graduate Program has made me into a more well-rounded engineer. The rotation system allows you to experience the different ecosystems on offer, with the focus on adding to your current skillset, and not focusing on the skills you already have. There is the potential of pursuing a postgraduate degree in Nuclear Engineering too, which can solidify your career in the industry if you choose to.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

During my first rotation, I was exposed to a critical infrastructure upgrade project including all of the policy and regulatory requirements necessary for the project to begin. In my second rotation, I saw the beginning of this critical infrastructure upgrade project being delivered first hand. 

Seeing policy and regulatory work transform into tangible infrastructure in real time was special, and has made me more excited for the future of the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA).
I also witnessed a submarine emerge from the water for maintenance, and the sheer scale of witnessing an emerging submarine made me realise how monumental this project is.

What are the limitations of your job?

There is a lot of policy and regulatory groundwork, with hands-on engineering work currently reserved for the existing conventionally-powered submarines. This is set to change within the near future though, with the commencement of critical infrastructure upgrades to support AUKUS.

The groundwork needing to be laid down before any projects can launch is a necessary requirement, but the Nuclear Graduate Program Team have been a great support with providing opportunities for broader industry exposure. Australian Submarine Agency (ASA)  employs experts in fields I never expected to work with, so you can easily learn a lifetime’s worth of knowledge just by conversing with them, and they are all open and supportive in helping you learn.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student

Take advantage of the rotation system by choosing work placements that are vastly different to each other. Experience what various areas of the Australian nuclear ecosystem have to offer. I was not expecting to have such variety in mine, and the knowledge I have taken in will follow me into all my future roles.

Working in this industry is very fast-paced, but very rewarding, and it helps to keep that in mind when managing and prioritising your workload.

There is a lot of policy and regulatory factors to consider in a project of this magnitude and nature, patience in learning these processes will be extremely valuable when I am leading my own projects in the future.

Wednesday 8 October

The Australian Submarine Agency’s (ASA) new Nuclear Graduate Program cohort have graduated to permanent positions within the Agency.

Twenty-five graduates completed the program after rotations within ASA and with our nuclear enterprise and defence partners.

ASA offers two pathways; The STEM Technical pathway (engineering, cyber security, technology and science) and the Policy and Corporate pathway (project management, finance, supply chain and international relations).  

The program is driven by ASA’s Nuclear Mindset, the shared qualities and attitudes underpinning ASA. Throughout the hiring process, ASA’s graduates are determined based on who exemplifies the Nuclear Mindset in the early stages of their career.

2024 graduate Robin joined the program with a background in law and commerce. They began at ASA in the Finance team, working on the 2024/25 budget in a finance business partner-type role. 

Robin then transitioned to the commercial team, leading procurement projects and taking a leadership role in the probity team, ensuring Commonwealth money was spent fairly and ethically.

‘I was offered a huge amount of experience in this team,’ said Robin. 

‘There are lots of career-growth opportunities at ASA, and with the Agency growing every year there are many positions available for graduates to step up.’

Robin’s final rotation was in Safeguards and Non-Proliferation, working in policy and supporting ASA’s commitment to nuclear security and safeguards as part of ASA’s Nuclear Mindset.

Upon completion of the Nuclear Graduate Program, Robin transitioned into SSN Construction. They currently work in procurement for phase three of the Optimal Pathway, developing and supporting Australian industry partners with their preparations for building Australia’s SSN-AUKUS submarines.

Robin said there is an ‘all hands on deck’ approach at ASA, and they are excited for the exposure and career development opportunities ASA is offering.

‘I got to experience ASA fully for what it is,’ said Robin.

‘It’s a professional working environment and I’m able to really hone my skills in commercial and contracting, which I’ve discovered I’m really passionate about. The connections I’ve developed here are why I’ve stayed.’

Another member of the cohort, Andrew, joined the Nuclear Graduate Program with an engineering background. 

His first rotation was in nuclear stewardship in Canberra, before moving to Adelaide to develop the infrastructure at Osborne Submarine Construction yard. In his final rotation, Andrew worked as an engineer in Melbourne, joining the team permanently last month.

Andrew valued working alongside Submariner Captains and Commodores and learning from their thrilling career highlights – an opportunity he says is unique to ASA. 

‘I was advised to use the three rotations to explore completely different parts of the Agency and how different teams operate,’ said Andrew. 

He chose to stay at ASA because it’s where he sees himself professionally developing his Nuclear Mindset and leading Australia to the safe and secure delivery of our nuclear-powered submarine program.

‘I’m excited to play a role in Australia becoming one of the few countries in the world that has a nuclear-powered submarine capability.

This is going to be Australia’s largest procurement, and I want to see this through.”

You can register here for updates on when applications open for the Nuclear Graduate Program in March 2026 for the 2027 Policy & Corporate and STEM Technical pathways.