Tri-lateral alliance formed to address AUKUS workforce needs

Curtin University has announced in a press release that defence companies Babcock Australasia (Babcock) and HII have joined forces with the University of Adelaide, Curtin University and the University of NSW to form the AUKUS Workforce Alliance (AWA) — a dedicated partnership committed to preparing a skilled workforce in support of all steps of Australia’s optimal pathway to sovereign nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS Pillar 1.

The university said that AWA will work together in a tri-lateral alliance, combining proven and trusted knowledge, skills and experience from across Australia, the UK and the US, seeking to address the current and future workforce needs that are required to accelerate sovereign capability, capacity and resilience for Australia’s defence sector.

Working together, the AWA will educate the thousands of qualified Australian engineering, maritime and nuclear trade and professional workers required to support the nation’s nuclear-powered submarine enterprise from infrastructure, sustainment and supply chain through to disposal.

The AUKUS Workforce Alliance will:

• establish a proactive, innovative and internationally recognised platform for skill enhancement and leadership to support development of a sovereign, nuclear-powered submarine workforce in Australia;
• lead the development and execution of critical upskilling programs, focusing on harnessing the full potential of Australia’s industrial base;
• foster cutting-edge research and practical experience for the future workforce.
   

“Babcock is proud to be partnering with HII and some of Australia’s top universities in a true, tri-lateral alliance to form the AUKUS Workforce Alliance,” said Babcock Australasia Managing Director AUKUS and International Sir Nick Hine. “Collectively, we will equip the workforce with the knowledge and the skills required to deliver the most complex and largest defence agenda in Australia’s history.

“Given our extensive global experience in sustainment, nuclear safety and stewardship, Babcock stands ready to assist Australia in delivering this very significant opportunity, including growing the required workforce to support the delivery of the nation’s first nuclear-powered submarines.”

“HII is proud to work with Australia’s education institutions and to bring more than 60 years of nuclear shipbuilding expertise to the training of a workforce capable of supporting, and ultimately executing, nuclear shipbuilding,” said HII President Nuclear and Environment Services Group Michael Lempke. “The AWA is an investment in the security and economic and technological progress of Australia. This comprehensive and rigorous training approach is also a commitment to the safety and protection of people and the environment and fostering public trust.”

Image source: Curtin University.