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Australia’s submarine company, ASC, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Australian nuclear science organisation ANSTO to explore new career pathways critical to the AUKUS submarine program.
The agreement is expected to help build the specialised skills and expertise needed to support Australia’s future conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarines.
The MOU marks another key milestone in building Australia’s future nuclear workforce and unlocks career opportunities for health physicists and nuclear operators.
In preparation for AUKUS, ASC has been recruiting nuclear experts from around the world and now has more than 1,000 years of combined nuclear experience in the organisation.
Under the new agreement, ANSTO will support workforce development through technical training, operational experience and hands-on secondments at its Sydney premises, which has been operating since 1957.
Health physicists will be responsible for maintaining radiological controls and ensuring the protection of people and the environment from potential hazards, while nuclear operators will support safe, secure operations at facilities where radioactive materials are stored.
ASC chief nuclear officer Neil Crewdson welcomed the ANSTO partnership as a step forward in establishing the nuclear workforce and growing sovereign industrial capability.
“With ANSTO’s support, we’re creating opportunities for Australians to step into critical roles that uphold the highest standards of nuclear safety and operational excellence”, Crewdson said.
Health physicists and nuclear operators will commence secondments at ANSTO’s Sydney premises in early 2026.
Group executive at ANSTO Dr Miles Apperley said the MOU would help build a skilled, sovereign workforce.
“This MOU reflects ANSTO’s ongoing and evolving commitment to supporting Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability by sharing our deep operational experience,” Apperley said.
