The South Australian Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ASC, focused on developing the state’s defence industry workforce and skills.

With South Australia at the centre of the nation’s naval shipbuilding program and ASC playing a crucial role in delivering Australia’s submarine capability at Osborne Naval Shipyard, the agreement will focus on attracting, retaining, and developing skilled workers.

It will also enhance existing relationships with local companies, academia, and education providers to develop the skilled workforce and strengthen Australia’s sovereign submarine capability.

South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close said the MoU would support collaboration to deliver current and future defence projects.

“This MoU will be mutually beneficial to the Government of South Australia and ASC as we undertake further cooperation with industry, research institutes and education providers to develop South Australia’s defence industry workforce and skills,” Ms Close said.

ASC provides design enhancements, maintenance, through-life support and life-of-type extension for the Australia’s Collins Class submarine fleet. The company has also been appointed as joint shipbuilder for the SSN-AUKUS submarines.

ASC CEO and Chief Nuclear and Capability Officer Stuart Whiley said the partnership would be vital to securing the state’s defence workforce needs.

“Building and maintaining submarines in South Australia is going to be a huge part of the economy for many decades to come,” Mr Whiley said.

“We already have an immediate need for tradespeople to help us maintain our existing Collins Class submarines. In the not-too-distant future, the kids who are at high school today will be the ones building the AUKUS submarine fleet of tomorrow.”

Read the media release