Air Warfare Destroyer and Collins Class Submarines will embark upon multi-billion dollar contracts with the South Australian Government as the state seeks to expand its defence industry.
The State Government has launched an initiative to help South Australia’s defence industry secure a competitive and productive workforce.
Employment, Training and Further Education Minister Michael O’Brien says a key objective of the Defence Industry Workforce Action Plan is to establish a clear future direction for the industry.
“If we’re to build on our reputation as the nation’s ‘Defence State’, it’s critical we also build a high-skill, high-tech and adaptable workforce,” said Mr O’Brien.
“Significant new defence projects are driving industry growth, including the $8 billion Air Warfare Destroyer contract and the multi billion dollar Collins Class Submarine assembly contract.” T
he state plan aims to develop industry leadership in workforce planning and skills development, attract and recruit a highly skilled workforce, and develop and promote industry-led pathways from school to VET and/or higher education.
“The Rann Government has secured around $44 billion worth of defence projects over the past five years, and we’re committed to increasing the number of defence jobs in South Australia to 28,000 by 2014,” said Mr O’Brien.
“Ensuring the defence industry has sufficient numbers of highly skilled workers is critical to achieve the State Government’s target to double the defence industry’s economic contribution to $2 billion per annum by 2013.”