Australia is progressing with its nuclear-powered submarine initiative, having commenced the establishment of a training academy in South Australia aimed at equipping builders for this significant industrial shift. The $480 million facility is expected to be a crucial element of Australia’s naval future, as part of the AUKUS partnership, pledging lifelong, safe, and sustainable job opportunities for local students.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles, the initiative represents Australia’s largest industrial venture to date, with the commencement of the academy marking substantial forward momentum in the project.
Located in Osborne, the Skills and Training Academy will offer a broad education range, including new trades and nuclear engineering, supporting between 800 and 1,000 students. This approach reflects a successful blueprint from the Barrow-in-Furness academy in the UK, where students contribute to constructing Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet.
Although finding qualified instructors to train the workforce poses a challenge, the government has indicated a commitment to hiring internationally, with the objective of cultivating Australian educators to eventually lead the training efforts at the Osborne academy. The construction of the facility is expected to be completed by late 2028, paving the way for a robust pipeline of skilled workers for Australia’s nuclear submarine program.