National project tackles skills demand for Australia’s defence manufacturing industry

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (Manufacturing Alliance), in collaboration with BAE Systems Australia, today welcomed the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles MP, to the Osborne Naval Shipyard to launch a new national project.

The project represents a major step toward meeting the growing demand for skilled workers in defence manufacturing.

The Building a Defence Manufacturing Workforce project, spearheaded by the Manufacturing Alliance, is focused on developing a national roadmap for a coordinated, consistent skills system response.

By fostering collaboration with key industry partners, this project aims to secure Australia’s sovereignty through an empowered, highly skilled workforce.

Sharon Robertson, CEO of the Manufacturing Alliance said “We are excited to join Minister Giles and the local defence manufacturing industry at BAE’s facility. Australia’s defence manufacturing industry is key to enabling our nation’s strategic priorities. By investing in its workforce, we are investing in the future of Australia and the security of our nation.”

Australia’s National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program (IIP) highlight the importance of building advanced joint capabilities and strategic technologies to ensure security and competitiveness. In line with these priorities, as one of Australia’s Jobs and Skills Councils, the Manufacturing Alliance is committed to a structured and forward-looking approach that supports the defence manufacturing sector and national security priorities. The project launched today offers several critical benefits: aligning skills development efforts with Australia’s strategic goals, enhancing defence capabilities, and bolstering the manufacturing sector to achieve sovereign capability.

One of three workforce projects undertaken by Manufacturing Alliance covering defence, apprenticeships and aviation, the Building a Defence Manufacturing Workforce project is timely. Demand for skilled labour in the manufacturing sector is expected to surge with estimates that the AUKUS nuclear powered submarine project alone requires 20,000 new skilled jobs.