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The WA Cook government has announced an $11.5 million investment in apprentice training to grow Western Australia’s defence industry workforce, preparing skilled tradespeople to build and maintain the next generation of naval vessels at Henderson Defence Precinct.
The funding, delivered through the AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive, will support defence employers to take on new apprentices in key trades, underpinning tens of billions of dollars in Commonwealth investment and more than 10,000 new jobs over the next two decades.
Henderson is set to become the centre of continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia, with upcoming projects including sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, construction of Mogami Class frigates following a landmark agreement with Japan, and a pipeline of work on general-purpose frigates, large optionally crewed surface vessels, evolved Cape Class patrol boats and new Army landing craft.
The training program commenced on 1 July 2025 and provides defence industry employers with up to $20,000 for each apprentice hired in one of four priority trades:
- Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (boilermaking and welding)
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- Certificate III in Engineering – Industrial Electrician
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
South Metropolitan TAFE will play a central role in delivering this training, particularly at its Naval Base campus, which boasts a state-of-the-art fabrication workshop with 45 welding bays, a machine shop, electrical training facilities and supporting classrooms. Apprentices are already gaining hands-on experience with leading local employers such as Civmec, Austal Ships, ASC, Echo Marine Group and IKAD Engineering.
Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said the investment ensures WA is prepared for the shipbuilding boom due to start from 2026, “The state government is committed to growing WA’s defence industry workforce, so that we can capitalise on the Commonwealth’s billions of dollars of investment.”
Minister Sanderson added, “With continuous shipbuilding expected to begin at Henderson in 2026, it’s imperative we have the skilled trades workforce ready to meet industry demand. Our $11.5 million investment is key to the Made in WA plan and will create a pipeline of workers for the future.”
Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia said the program will help cement defence as WA’s second-largest industry after mining, saying, “My goal is to grow WA’s defence industry into the state’s second largest sector, creating generations of jobs and diversifying our economy.”
Minister Papalia said, “This investment will help build the workforce of the future as we progress towards the AUKUS optimal pathway.”
For more information, employers can visit: www.theotherforce.wa.gov.au/support-programs-employers.
Stephen Kuper
Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.
