Where the jobs are
The workforce demand for the nuclear-powered submarine program spans the whole nation, with particular focus on Western Australia and South Australia. This is expected to create 20,000 new jobs in the next 30 years across industry, the Australian Public Service (APS) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
Beyond the 20,000 new direct jobs expected to be created, Australia’s supply chain will also see major investment. This will drive thousands more indirect jobs, boosting our national economy while deepening the resilience and capability of our skilled workforce.
Western Australia Over 3,000 jobs are expected to be created to support SSN maintenance in Western Australia. This includes an initial requirement of over 500 to support Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-West). Western Australia’s SRF-West infrastructure upgrades at HMAS Stirling will generate employment for around 3,000 construction workers. | South Australia Around 5,500 jobs are expected to be created to build SSN-AUKUS in Osborne, South Australia. At its peak, up to 4,000 Australian workers will be employed to design and build the infrastructure for the submarine construction yard in Osborne. | Nationwide Around 3,000 Australian Defence Force members will be required to support the nuclear-powered submarine program, including the operation and crewing of the Virginia class submarines and the future SSN-AUKUS fleet, as well as planning and support activities within the Australian Submarine Agency. Around 1,600 regulator staff, public servants, and other supporting roles will be employed within the nuclear-powered submarine program. |
How to get involved
Australian workers are core to the success of this Strategy. The nuclear-powered submarine program is expected to create over 20,000 new jobs in the next 30 years, across industry, the Australian Public Service and the Australian Defence Force. Roles are available now.
Careers
Education, training and internship opportunities
- Defence Industry Internship Program(Opens in a new tab/window)
- Nuclear-Powered Submarine Student Pathways
- TAFE Centres of Excellence
- National Security TAFE Centre of Excellence(Opens in a new tab/window) (SA)
- Defence and Shipbuilding Career Opportunities(Opens in a new tab/window) (SA)
- PEER Opportunities in Defence and Shipbuilding(Opens in a new tab/window) (SA)
- Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence(Opens in a new tab/window) (WA)
- Defence West(Opens in a new tab/window) (WA)
- Defence Industry Pathways Program(Opens in a new tab/window) (WA)