The Western Australian Government is supporting the AUKUS workforce development, with South Metropolitan TAFE signing a memorandum of understanding with the UK’s City College Plymouth.
AUKUS is a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and the US intended to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific that is secure and stable.
The new international partnership will build on the joint state and commonwealth investment in the defence industry skills centre of excellence at TAFE. The partnership will also strengthen defence industry workforce skills development in Australia and the UK, as well as contribute to the success of the AUKUS agreement with the US to advance defence capabilities.
Western Australia’s government says the partnership provides a framework for collaboration between the two institutions, allowing them to share expertise and explore how vocational education and training can better respond to the evolving skills needs of defence-related industries.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson says this new partnership ensures TAFEs continue to deliver training that will support Western Australians to make the most of the opportunities that the AUKUS partnership provides.
“Working with established international partners helps to position Western Australia as a leader in defence industry skills and training,” Sanderson says.
Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia says the recent arrival of HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling – the first ever UK nuclear submarine maintenance period conducted in Australia – highlights the pace of progress across the AUKUS partnership.
“Strong international partnerships like this help ensure our workforce has the right skills ahead of the Submarine Rotational Force – West commencing from 2027,” Papalia says.
Earlier this year, the state government established the AUKUS Community Taskforce to channel local input into the delivery of the trilateral defence program, ensuring any pressures on the region can be appropriately addressed.
The taskforce will work closely with the local Western Australian community, with a four-week public consultation opening open until 3 March 2026. The taskforce will identify local needs and opportunities for transport infrastructure, housing, health services, and community assets in relation to AUKUS.
Under the initial AUKUS deal, the US intends to sell Australia three Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines. Australia has the option to seek approval for up to two more if needed.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: SSN AUKUS
