$11.5 million to bolster future defence workforce
An $11.5 million investment has been announced to support the future defence workforce, to skill workers to build and maintain ships in Western Australia.
The investment supports the establishment of a Henderson Defence Precinct which underpins tens of billions of dollars of Commonwealth Government investment in defence capabilities in the State over the next 20 years, creating more than 10,000 new skilled jobs.
Nuclear-powered submarine sustainment as part of the AUKUS partnership and continuous shipbuilding projects - including the construction of Mogami-class frigates following a historic agreement between Japan and the Commonwealth Government - are among future projects.
In the next two to five years alone, significant shipbuilding project work is set to begin on the Australian Navy's general-purpose frigates, large optionally crewed surface vessels, evolved Cape class patrol boats, and the Australian Army's landing crafts.
The Cook Government is investing $11.5 million through the AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive to help train the workers needed to build and maintain ships in WA.
This investment assists economic diversification and is central to the government's Made in WA plan.
The program started on 1 July 2025, with 435 places available to eligible defence industry employers.
The Incentive provides employers in Western Australia's defence industry supply chain with up to $20,000 for each apprentice they take on in one of four key trades:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade;
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade;
- Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician; and
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
Fabrication – which encompasses boilermaking or welding—is a crucial shipbuilding trade.
South Metropolitan TAFE is a leading defence industry trainer, delivering fabrication training to defence industry apprentices at its Naval Base campus.
Many fabrication apprentices training at the Naval Base campus are working at premier defence industry businesses including Civmec, Austal Ships, ASC, Echo Marine Group, and IKAD Engineering, allowing them to develop skills and gain valuable experience on-the-job.
The Naval Base campus features a state-of-the-art fabrication workshop comprising 45 welding bays which have been constructed and equipped for multi-use, as well as a machine shop, electrical workshop and supporting classrooms.
For more information visit theotherforce.wa.gov.au/support-programs-employers
