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ASC has revealed how it is dramatically increasing its workforce in Western Australia to support Australia’s national effort to advance nuclear-powered submarine manufacturing.
This growth is being fuelled by rising demand for submarine sustainment work to maintain visiting US and UK vessels under the Submarine Rotational Force - West program and preparing the future upkeep of Australia’s Virginia Class and SSN-AUKUS submarines.
The federal government’s “Jobs for Subs” initiative is set to add about 200 entry-level positions to ASC’s Western Australian operations over the next two years.
The new roles target priority trades such as fabrication, machining and engineering.
“We know that around 70 per cent of our future workforce will need to be developed internally, so we have an enormous focus on developing and expanding our apprenticeship, graduate and traineeship programs,” said ASC chief capability officer Danielle Bull.
“Whether you’re an aspiring or emerging engineer, technician, trades specialist or support professional, that represents an incredible opportunity for you to pursue your goals – and contribute to Australia’s sovereign submarine capability – with ASC.”
By the end of 2025, ASC will welcome over 70 early career employees in Western Australia, made up of 40 graduates, 13 undergraduates and 21 apprentices.
Current electrician, Joel, 28, joined ASC as an apprentice in 2018 and said: “The technical aspect of working on submarines really separates my job from conventional electrical work, which helps to keep my brain ticking. Opportunities to work in Australia and overseas, and the mateship among ASC’s various departments, make it really enjoyable to come to work and buy in to the company’s culture.”
Felicity, 23, who is nearing the end of her corporate graduate program at ASC said that the experience it has given her is valuable and taught a range of career and personal skills.
“I’ve especially valued the chance to connect with a wide range of people, enabling me to learn from their expertise and contribute to work that is indispensable to our nations safety.”
ASC seeks to hire 65 early career employees in 2026, including 11 apprentices, 33 graduates, 11 trainees and 10 undergraduates in engineering. Approximately 250 people are expected to join ASC by June 2026 according to current demand forecasts.
The surge in workforce numbers highlights ASC’s growing importance as Australia’s sovereign submarine partner and signals the sweeping AUKUS-driven transformation reshaping Western Australia’s defence industry.
By 2030, more than 700 new roles will join the Western Australian workforce.
