Australia’s submarine company ASC has entered a new collaboration with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to develop specialised nuclear career pathways critical to the AUKUS submarine program.
The two organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at building the skills and expertise required to support Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines. The agreement represents another milestone in efforts to establish a sovereign nuclear workforce as Australia prepares for the AUKUS program.
Under the MoU, ANSTO will support ASC’s workforce development through technical training, operational experience and hands-on secondments at its Sydney premises, which have been operating since 1957. The partnership will create new career opportunities for health physicists and nuclear operators, professions considered essential to the safe and effective operation of nuclear-powered submarine infrastructure.
Health physicists are responsible for maintaining radiological controls and ensuring the protection of people and the environment from potential hazards. Nuclear operators support safe and secure operations at facilities where radioactive materials are stored.
ASC has been actively recruiting nuclear specialists from around the world as part of its AUKUS preparations and now has more than 1,000 years of combined nuclear experience across the organisation.
ASC chief nuclear officer Neil Crewdson said the partnership would play an important role in building the nation’s nuclear 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,” Neil said.
ANSTO group executive Dr Miles Apperley said the agreement reflected the organisation’s ongoing commitment to supporting Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability.
“This MoU reflects ANSTO’s ongoing and evolving commitment to supporting Australia’s nuclear-powered submarine capability by sharing our deep operational experience,” Dr Apperley said.
Secondments for health physicists and nuclear operators are expected to commence at ANSTO’s Sydney facilities in early 2026. Both organisations say the collaboration will help strengthen Australia’s sovereign industrial capability while supporting long-term workforce development aligned with national defence priorities.
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