These places will be targeted at STEM disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials science, naval architecture, computer science as well as mechanical, electrical, chemical and nuclear engineering.

More than $3.9 million over two years will be made available to establish the skills taskforce within the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. The skills taskforce will work with industry, tertiary education sector leaders, unions and governments to build the skilled workforce needed.

Around $11.4 million will be committed over three years to extend the Defence Industry Pathways Program within the Western Australia shipbuilding sector.

“The AUKUS submarine program will be the most transformative industrial endeavour in Australian history,” said Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy.

“Young Australians starting training now have a bright future ahead of them with secure, high skilled, well-paid jobs that will make an important contribution to Australia’s defence industry and our national security.”

The AUKUS plan for Australia to acquire and manufacture nuclear-powered submarines is expected to create around 20,000 direct jobs over the next 30 years across industry, the Australian Defence Force, and the Australian Public Service.

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Under the announced funding, 800 places at South Australian universities will be announced in the cooperation agreement between the Commonwealth and South Australia.

An AUKUS Submarine Workforce and Industry Strategy will also be developed with the South Australian government to co-design a skills and training academy to deliver tailored education, training and skilling for the submarine and naval shipbuilding workforce in South Australia.

Minister for Education Jason Clare said developing highly skilled STEM graduates and a talented skilled workforce will build Australia’s sovereign industry capabilities and play a crucial role in delivering on the nation’s AUKUS commitments.

“These extra 4,000 places are in addition to the existing 20,000 more Commonwealth supported places already funded by the Australian government to address skills shortages in areas of national priority.

“This funding commitment will ensure more Australians have the opportunity to go to university and develop the advance technical skills needed to work on these nation-changing projects.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.