With work underway at the Osborne shipyard for the construction of the Attack-class submarines South Australians are at the front of the queue for the thousands of well paid, highly skilled jobs the $50 billion program will create.
“The Marshall Government has already begun the critical task of training the skilled workforce that will construct the highly sophisticated Attack-class submarines at the Osborne shipyard,” said Premier Marshall.
“The Australian Government’s $90 billion ship building program is vital for the defence of our nation and delivering the skilled workforce to help build that capacity is of the highest priority for my government and the future of all South Australians.
“The Osborne North facilty will be one of the region’s most advanced submarine constructions yards and it is expected that the on-site workforce will peak at up to 800 personnel.
“The Australian Government’s investment in Attack-class submarine and the Hunter class frigates is integral to the development of a world-class defence manufacturing sector and the transformation of South Australia’s industrial base.”
A Skilling South Australia project will create traineeships in the defence industry, tapping into the growing demand for naval shipbuilding designers.
The collaboration between the Naval Shipbuilding College, Naval Group Australia, BAE Systems Maritime Australia, TAFE SA, and several South Australian small to medium enterprises, has resulted in a customised traineeship program designed for the naval shipbuilding industry in South Australia.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said the Naval Shipbuilding College had engaged TAFE SA to deliver training in a Diploma of Engineering – Technical and to gain industry specific skills focused on naval shipbuilding.
“Recruitment for the first intake of designer trainees, who will be employed by shipbuilding prime Naval Group Australia, has commenced and applications are open,” Minister Pisoni said.
“Participants will undertake a nine-week intensive program to develop computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting skills to a productive level.
“During this time, participants will also complete the Naval Shipbuilding College’s tailored Introduction to Naval Shipbuilding course.
“On completion of this intensive program, trainees will commence work within a prime or small to medium enterprise to complete their training contract.
“It is expected graduates will be employed by naval shipbuilding primes, with some trainees hosted to supply chain employers to gain relevant skills and experience on defence projects creating a pipeline of skilled workers.”
Naval Shipbuilding College Program Director, Harry Riddle, said the organisation expected this would be the first of multiple intakes of the traineeship program, with this project laying the groundwork for the following iterations.
“The collaborative efforts of the shipbuilding enterprise alongside TAFE SA and South Australian SMEs have been integral in creating these tangible opportunities for Australians to learn the skills needed to become naval designers,” Mr Riddle said.
“This program is critical in ensuring that when the demand for skilled naval designers ramps up, the shipbuilding industry will have access to people with the right skills and knowledge.”
TAFE SA chief executive David Coltman said the project was vital in helping to meet the needs of the defence industry.
“We are 100 per cent committed to delivering training that meets the needs of the defence industry to ensure we develop a workforce with the technical skills required,” Mr Coltman said.
“This is a great example of this work.
“TAFE SA’s tailored training program will use cutting-edge technology, including our new virtual reality ship engine room.
“This amazing opportunity for students is illustrating the contribution TAFE SA is making to Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.”
Skilling South Australia is a $200 million partnership with the Australian Government to deliver the skills required by industry and ensure South Australians are ready to step into jobs and enjoy rewarding careers in the future.
