03 April 2018 

WA Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds has welcomed today’s announcement that Edith Cowan University and South Metropolitan TAFE have signed on to provide courses through the Government’s premier Naval Shipbuilding College.

“As an advocate for WA’s defence industry, I am delighted that Edith Cowan University and South Metropolitan TAFE have partnered with the Naval Shipbuilding Institute, which was today announced as the Government’s preferred provider of the Naval Shipbuilding College,” Senator Reynolds said.

“This will ensure Western Australian students have access to the best possible start towards a career in naval shipbuilding. WA is already home to the construction of 31 out of 54 next generation vessels, and Western Australian workers will be maintaining the new fleet for decades to come.

“The Naval Shipbuilding College will initially focus on increasing the number of people with key entry-level trade qualifications through contracted Registered Training Organisations. It will continue by ensuring a supply of qualified Australian workers as new jobs are created through the Government’s record $90 billion commitment to a continuous shipbuilding program.”

Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said more than 25,000 personnel would be needed directly or indirectly for the program, with the naval shipbuilding workforce expected to grow to about 5,200 workers across a range of diverse job roles by the mid-2020s.

“The naval shipbuilding industry will expand to over 5,200 workers in construction activities and more than double this number in sustainment activities through the supply chain,” Minister Pyne said.

“The College will draw on potential workers from around the nation, supporting students who wish to study across Australia where there is suitable education and training organisations.

“The Government is making an important investment in attracting, skilling and sustaining the Australian workforce needed to successfully deliver a continuous naval shipbuilding program through the establishment of the new Naval Shipbuilding College.”