Submarine builder ASC take record number of recruits as AUKUS build-up gathers in Perth south

The biggest ever WA intake of apprentices by submarine builder ASC is proof the AUKUS build-up is gathering pace in Perth’s south. About 1300 people applied for apprenticeships across ASC’s operations in Perth and Osborne in South Australia, with 21 getting the call-up to hit the tools in Henderson, where ASC is the Federal Government’s sovereign submarine partner. The new apprentices ranged from 17 to 36 and have already started work on electrical, fabrication and mechanical trades, including 19-year-old Mollie from Secret Harbour. “I took on this apprenticeship because we’re working towards something bigger,” she said. “On the submarines, we’re working for the safety of all Australians.” Tens of billions of dollars are being poured into a new defence precinct at Henderson, where new landing craft for the Army and new Navy general purpose frigates will be built before the arrival of nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling. ASC managing director and chief executive Stuart Whiley said the enthusiasm of young people keen to be part of the emerging industry was pleasing. “Sustainment work on visiting US and UK submarines will soon ramp up,” he said. “Eventually our workforce will be responsible for full sustainment services for Australia’s future Virginia Class and SSN-AUKUS submarines.” He said AUKUS ensured job security for new recruits and that they will “never be bored”. “People joining ASC today, and in the next 10 years, can look forward to a lifelong career in multi-class sustainment and build, working on some of the most complex machines ever built,” Mr Whiley said. “Our company is proud of the professional development and growth opportunities we offer our employees, along with job security, flexibility and competitive remuneration.” Premier Roger Cook said development of Perth’s defence industry was “steaming ahead” a day after new US defence secretary Pete Hegseth declared President Donald Trump “supportive” of the AUKUS deal. “WA has a key role to play,” Mr Cook said on Sunday. “Whether it’s the sustainment and maintenance of nuclear subs that are rotating through HMAS Stirling or the opportunity to continue to build Australia’s frigates and landing craft at Henderson, tens of thousands of Western Australian jobs will be created through our role as part of the AUKUS partnership.” Meeting Mr Hegseth at the Pentagon on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles made the first $798 million downpayment to bolster US shipbuilding. More than 210 AUKUS authorised users have been approved, removing red tape for Australian industry to service the US and the UK and resulting in more than $25 million in licence-free exports in six months. Balcatta-based Orbital Australia, which designs and manufactures engine systems for UAV’s, is one of the beneficiaries. Training and simulation company Calytrix Techologies, based in Perth, said the rapid transfer of data between nations was a “significant saving” of time and cost. “It is terrific to see so many Australian defence companies already benefiting from these landmark reforms, both in terms of the lower costs to doing business and the unprecedented access they now have to markets in the UK and US,” Mr Marles said. “These reforms are revolutionising our ability to trade and collaborate.” ASC said there were plenty of opportunity for future generations. “And for those who missed out . . . we will be recruiting hundreds more in the coming years,” Mr Whiley said. The emerging industry is doing battle with WA’s lucrative mining industry for workers, but has the advantage of being based in Perth with no travel required. “These apprenticeships give people the ability to earn good money and become skilled at a trade,” ASC workshop manager Josh said. “They start as young kids, some straight out of school, and by the time they finish they are young adults.” Expressions of interest for the next ASC intake will open mid-year.