Defence and industry are building the workforce needed to support growing shipbuilding and sustainment needs, with 19 trainees graduating from the Defence Industry Pathways Program in Western Australia.
Deputy Secretary Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group Jim McDowell and Head Patrol Boats and Specialist Ships Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm attended the graduation ceremony on August 8.
"The WA Defence Industry Pathways Program is vital, as Defence works with industry to grow the workforce we need as we progress continuous naval shipbuilding, sustain the current and future fleet and prepare to support the AUKUS conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine pathway," Mr McDowell said.
"Industry engagement is an important aspect of the program, providing participants an opportunity to gain experience with host employers in the Defence industry, apply practical and technical learning across the maritime domain, and obtain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways."
Mr McDowell highlighted the achievements of graduates within Intake 7, with many having already engaged in full-time employment in the maritime defence industry, and other participants undertaking further training to accelerate their skills.
"The 12-month program produces a Defence industry-ready workforce to meet the growing needs and priorities for the Defence industry in Western Australia," Rear Admiral Malcolm said.
"These latest graduates, from diverse backgrounds, are a shining example of the calibre of the trainees this program has attracted and the future of the maritime Defence industry."
Rear Admiral Malcolm presented two commendations during the evening, acknowledging the contribution of the first group training organisation for the program, Programmed Training Services, and Babcock Australasia, for engagement of participants from underrepresented groups such as women, and neurodiverse backgrounds.
