Australian Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann have confirmed a new workforce package that will help secure 200 additional jobs in support of shipbuilding programmes in South Australia.

The package is set to be launched in order to retain the skilled naval shipbuilders currently involved in the construction of the air warfare destroyers (AWDs) for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Pyne said: “Over the next ten years, the size and skill level of the naval shipbuilding workforce will need to increase significantly to meet the demands of the various shipbuilding programmes.

"Over the next ten years, the size and skill level of the naval shipbuilding workforce will need to increase significantly to meet the demands of the various shipbuilding programmes."

“To meet these challenges, we need to keep as many of the workers currently building the AWDs in the naval shipbuilding industry as possible.”

The Australian Government has agreed to adopt a targeted retention strategy in relation to the initiative.

The strategy is expected to see shipbuilders participating in the AWD programme transition to supporting the Australian Navy’s Collins-class submarine sustainment works as the current construction project gradually nears completion.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In addition, the workers will also undergo training and upskilling programmes to support the country’s future naval construction developments.

Pyne added: “This initiative is on top of the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) decision made recently; creating up to 400 direct jobs and 600 indirect jobs, and the announcement that Australian Naval Infrastructure will create 600 additional jobs to redevelop the Osborne South shipyard.

“We are stabilising the shipbuilding workforce. With the Future Frigates decision to be made early next year and further workforce decisions made as required, things are truly on the up at Osborne.”

Cormann noted that the new workforce package will ensure the retention of critical skills to support major shipbuilding projects in South Australia as part of the Coalition Government’s $89bn naval shipbuilding programme.