The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance has launched a national project at the Osborne Naval Shipyard with Minister Andrew Giles, aiming to address Australia’s growing need for skilled workers in defence manufacturing.
This initiative, spearheaded by the Manufacturing Alliance, aims to develop a national roadmap to create a unified skills system that will support the defence manufacturing sector and contribute to Australia’s strategic goals.
By working with key industry players, the project is designed to empower the workforce and reinforce the nation’s sovereignty through advanced manufacturing skills, the Alliance said in a news release.
“We are excited to join Minister Giles and the local defence manufacturing industry at BAE’s facility,” said Sharon Robertson, CEO of the Manufacturing Alliance.
“Australia’s defence manufacturing industry is key to enabling our nation’s strategic priorities. By investing in its workforce, we are investing in the future of Australia and the security of our nation.”
The project aligns with Australia’s National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program, which emphasise the need to build advanced capabilities and technologies essential for security and competitiveness.
One of the project’s primary goals is to align skill development with strategic national objectives, ultimately enhancing Australia’s defence capabilities and ensuring the manufacturing sector is prepared to achieve sovereign capability.
With demand for skilled labour expected to surge, the Manufacturing Alliance has identified this project as timely, especially given the 20,000 skilled jobs anticipated for the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine project alone.
“Building sovereign capability requires not only skilled technicians but also a world-class skills system that can evolve with our needs,” Robertson added.
“Through this initiative, we are committed to ensuring that the full supply chain of emerging and future skills demanded by the defence industry are identified and embedded into today’s and tomorrow’s training programs.”
The project highlights the essential role apprentices play in Australia’s defence manufacturing future.
Robertson emphasised that “apprentices are the cornerstone of Australia’s defence manufacturing future. Their dedication to learning and skill development is vital as we enhance our defence capabilities and safeguard our national security.”
Paul Berryman, acting managing director of BAE Systems Australia – Maritime, underscored the potential impact of the project on the manufacturing landscape.
“The outcomes of this project will influence Australia’s manufacturing landscape, and we are pleased to play a role in achieving that objective,” he said.
“Ensuring the next generation of Australians have the skills required to work on programs of national importance is a key focus for BAE Systems and the wider Defence industry.”
Berryman also noted the rapid advancements in processes and tools within the defence manufacturing sector.
“We have already seen the rapid pace at which processes and tools advance at our manufacturing sites, including Osborne. Equipping young Australians with training for the future manufacturing environment is crucial to establishing a truly sovereign manufacturing capability within Australia.”
