Western Australia’s first naval nuclear foundations training course has launched, representing a step forward in building the skilled workforce required to support AUKUS and the future sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines at Henderson.
AUKUS is a trilateral partnership between Australia, the UK and the US which will develop and provide joint advanced military capabilities to promote security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The course is funded through the Western Australian Government’s $2.5 million Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling grants program. The grants program is designed to expedite job-ready skills through industry-led training partnerships, delivering specialised capability where it is needed most.
H&B Defence has received a $568,000 grant to deliver training for up to 150 participants across the defence, naval and nuclear sectors. The H&B course will be delivered to engineers, technicians, project managers and defence-industry support professionals.
The inaugural cohort of 40 participants is conducting hands-on, industry-led learning informed by UK and US nuclear-powered submarine programs. The training provides early exposure to the rigorous standards, safety culture and discipline required to operate safely and effectively in nuclear-regulated settings.
A second H&B Defence micro-credential – focused on submarine enterprises, regulations and support infrastructure – is planned for late 2026 and will also be supported through the Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling grants program.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia says this partnership is a critical step in readying Western Australia to host and sustain nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.
“As the nation’s home of AUKUS, we are seizing the opportunity to build the capability to support this critical nation endeavour,” Papalia says.
“By backing industry-designed micro-credentials through the Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling grants program, we are ensuring local workers gain the specific skills and safety culture required for the most demanding roles in the defence sector.”
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: SSN AUKUS
