The Australian Government continues to invest in attracting and training the next generation of Navy Submariners in the Australian Defence Force, with work starting on a new training facility at HMAS Stirling in Western Australia. The acquisition of conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarines through the AUKUS partnership will require growing and training Australia’s future AUKUS workforce. This work has already begun, including through the training of Australian submariners in the United States and the United Kingdom. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said, “Right now, Australian submariners are gaining experience in the United States and United Kingdom, and on board Virginia class and Astute class submarines. Soon they will also be able to receive world-class training in Western Australia.” Today, the Government has reached another major AUKUS milestone, with construction commencing on a new Training Centre at HMAS Stirling. This world-class facility will support the skilling of Australia’s submariner workforce, through local submarine crew training and certification for work on Virginia class submarines, which Australia will acquire and operate from the early 2030s. This $200m project forms part of the Government's $8 billion investment in infrastructure at HMAS Stirling. Construction of the training centre will support local jobs and the Western Australian economy, requiring a daily workforce of around 120 construction personnel, which will grow to around 180 personnel per day at peak times. Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel Matt Keogh said, "These works at HMAS Stirling will be delivered by Western Australian businesses, supporting local jobs and creating opportunities in the trade and construction industries." Today's announcement coincides with the launch of the "I am a Submariner" campaign across social media, to raise awareness about what a career as a submariner in the Navy entails and the range of conventional and nuclear-powered submarine roles and opportunities available. Priority submariner roles that Defence is actively seeking to recruit for Australia’s current and future submarine workforce include: • Communication Networks Operators • Submariner Electrical Fitters • Electronics Technicians • Fixed and mobile plant mechanics • Nuclear powered submarine electricians • Nuclear powered submarine electronics technicians • Nuclear powered submarine mechanics • Nuclear powered submarine weapons and sensors network technicians • Nuclear powered submarine electronic warfare network technicians |