In a move to bolster its nuclear-powered submarine programme, Australia’s Albanese Government has announced a new Jobs for Subs initiative. The initiative aims to recruit and train 200 entry-level workers over the next two years.
This initiative will support the Submarine Rotational Force-West (SRF-W) programme and reinforce Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capabilities.
Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine workforce expansion
The Albanese Government’s Nuclear-Powered Submarine Graduate, Apprenticeship and Traineeship initiative, a government-funded programme, is set to enhance the capabilities of ASC Pty Ltd by onboarding around 200 additional personnel. These recruits are primarily based in Western Australia and will fill roles across fabrication, machining, engineering, project management, supply chain, and operations disciplines.
ASC Pty Ltd, Australia’s partner in submarine sustainment, will participate in this programme, which aims to address the need for skilled workers essential to maintaining the nation’s nuclear-powered submarine fleet. The initiative is part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to invest up to A$8bn ($5.4bn) in infrastructure to support the SRF-W from 2027 and the operation of Australia’s Virginia-class submarines in the early 2030s.
Australia is set to invest more than A$45bn in its defence sector from 2024 to 2029, focusing on submarine capabilities as part of its response to rising Indo-Pacific tensions. According to GlobalData, the bulk of this investment, $21.6bn, will develop nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact with the US and UK.
The acquisition of the nuclear submarine will likely significantly enhance the Australian Navy’s ability to patrol the Indian Ocean region and will go a long way in boosting its defence posture and power projection abilities, as highlighted by GlobalData’s “Australia Defense Market 2024-2029” report.
The broader nuclear-powered submarine programme is anticipated to generate approximately 20,000 skilled jobs nationwide, with around 3,000 positions expected in Western Australia alone. This workforce expansion is important in ensuring Australia can sustain and enhance its submarine capabilities, aligning with the goals of the AUKUS partnership.
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery Pat Conroy highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, ““This is a further boost to the development of ASC’s sustainment workforce and follows the first cohort of workers departing for training at Pearl Harbour Naval Shipyard in July. Australian industry is integral not only to Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine programme, but also to supporting the future building, sustainment and maintenance of the submarines of our AUKUS partners.”
The announcement also follows the ongoing Submarine Tendered Maintenance Period (SMTP) at HMAS Stirling, where Royal Australian Navy personnel are participating in the maintenance of USS Hawaii (SSN 776), a Virginia-class submarine. This is the first instance of direct Australian involvement in the maintenance of a US nuclear-powered submarine on home soil.
China has criticised the AUKUS agreement’s transfer of nuclear propulsion technology to Australia, claiming it undermines international non-proliferation efforts and sparks a global nuclear arms race.
With this new initiative, the Albanese Government is reinforcing its commitment to developing a skilled workforce essential for Australia’s evolving defence and maritime capabilities.
