THE IMPETUS for Western Australia’s shipbuilding industry continues to grow with a state government investment of $11.5 million to train 435 workers to build and maintain ships.
The funding is part of an AUKUS Defence Industry Incentive program that will provide defence industry employers up to $20,000 per apprentice.
A government media release on 27 August said WA's defence industry is set to create more than 10,000 secure, skilled jobs over next two decades.
The investment supports the establishment of a Henderson Defence Precinct which underpins tens of billions of dollars of Commonwealth Government investment in defence capabilities in the State over the next 20 years.
“Nuclear-powered submarine sustainment as part of the AUKUS partnership and continuous shipbuilding projects - including the construction of Mogami-class frigates following a historic agreement between Japan and the Commonwealth Government - are among future projects,” the release said.
“In the next two to five years alone, significant shipbuilding project work is set to begin on the Australian Navy's general-purpose frigates, large optionally crewed surface vessels, evolved Cape class patrol boats, and the Australian Army's landing crafts.”
The program started on 1 July 2025, offering places in four key trades: Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; Certificate III in Engineering - Industrial Electrician; and Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician.
The release said fabrication, which encompasses boilermaking or welding, is a crucial shipbuilding trade.
Apprenticeships are available through South Metropolitan TAFE which delivers fabrication training to defence industry apprentices at its Naval Base campus.
“Many fabrication apprentices training at the Naval Base campus are working at premier defence industry businesses including Civmec, Austal Ships, ASC, Echo Marine Group, and IKAD Engineering, allowing them to develop skills and gain valuable experience on-the-job.”
The Naval Base campus features a state-of-the-art fabrication workshop comprising 45 welding bays which have been constructed and equipped for multi-use, as well as a machine shop, electrical workshop and supporting classrooms.
For more information visit http://www.theotherforce.wa.gov.au/support-programs-employers.
TAFE minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said continuous shipbuilding is expected to start at Henderson in 2026, and it was imperative to have the trades workforce ready to meet the industry's needs.
"Our $11.5 million investment is key to our Made in WA plan and will support training a pipeline of skilled workers for the defence industry,” Ms Sanderson said.