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Western Australian companies will soon have access to specialised training in naval nuclear propulsion, with defence firm H&B Defence developing a first-of-its-kind syllabus backed by state government funding.
The program, funded through the WA government’s Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grant Program, will deliver a series of two-day courses aimed at engineers and industry support professionals.
Training will cover nuclear engineering fundamentals, safety management, the history of naval nuclear programs and risk frameworks, all designed to prepare industry for the complex requirements of supporting AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines.
Courses are set to begin early next year and will run over an 18-month period, open to WA-based candidates. Importantly, the program will be taught by nuclear-powered submarine subject matter experts, with input from H&B Defence’s international partners HII (US) and Babcock (UK). It will also be accredited as a university micro-credential, strengthening pathways for advanced defence education in Australia.
H&B Defence managing director Tim Brown said the initiative represented a major milestone in developing Australia’s nuclear-capable workforce.
“H&B Defence combines world-leading expertise in the nuclear space from its joint venture partners HII and Babcock, making it the perfect choice to advance the skills of Australian industry,” Brown said.
He added that the courses would ensure WA’s highly capable workforce is prepared to support the nation’s future nuclear submarine program.
“We look forward to equipping WA’s workforce with new skills that will complement their existing capability while preparing them for the complex nuclear environment ahead of them.”
The training initiative underscores both state and federal priorities to build sovereign capability under AUKUS, with the first nuclear-powered submarines expected to enter Royal Australian Navy service in the 2030s.
Brown thanked the WA government for backing the initiative, saying it was a crucial step in ensuring local industry can deliver long-term sustainment of the submarine fleet in-country.
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.
