Australian submarine company, ASC, is set to partner with Tonsley Technical College, in a move that strengthen employment pathways for school students into the defence industry.

As a key employer partner at the Tonsley Technical College, ASC will shape the learning experiences, support workplace learning and provide job opportunities through apprenticeships for students when they complete their programs.

The partnership will also bolster the advanced manufacturing and engineering pathway being offered at the technical college, helping to ensure students are workplace ready when they complete their studies.

With ASC focused on sustaining and updating the Collins class submarines, Managing Director and CEO of ASC Stuart Whiley, said the partnership would help develop the future workforce needed for increased shipbuilding and submarine sustainment activities in South Australia.

“This partnership with the Tonsley Technical College, and its advanced manufacturing and engineering stream, will enhance our ongoing collaboration with the South Australian Government, industry and the education sector,” Mr Whiley said. “This will enable us to collectively build the skilled shipbuilding workforce that South Australia will need to meet future defence requirements.”

“We look forward to welcoming Tonsley Technical College students into our apprentice, graduate, and early career programs in the years to come.”

The partnership will provide a significant opportunity for school students to learn with a prestigious defence company in advanced manufacturing and engineering. It ensures graduates get a head start on their career, equipping them with workplace skills in high demand.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Defence and Space Industries Susan Close, said the announcement was a great opportunity for future students at Tonsley Technical College to prepare for a defence industry career.

“The Tonsley Innovation Precinct, which sees the Tonsley Technical College being built in tandem with Flinders University’s Factory of the Future, will place South Australia at the global forefront of developing vibrant industry linked research, education and training facilities,” Ms Close said.

The South Australian Government has committed $208 million to build the five technical colleges to provide a specialist senior secondary option that equips students with the workplace skills needed in areas of high demand. In the case of the Tonsley Technical College, it will offer industry training programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering; Automotive and Energy; Building and Construction; and Health and Social Support, which will include a pathway to allied health and nursing.

The announcement of the ASC and Tonsley Technical College partnership follows an agreement with BAE Systems to sign on as a key employer partner at the Findon Technical College, which will be the first of the five new technical colleges to open in 2024. These technical colleges will provide an innovative partnership for defence employers to get the skilled workforce that they need by engaging early with school students.

Read the media release