Hanwha Defense Australia (HDA) and The Gordon Institute of TAFE have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to partner to deliver Hanwha’s Australian manufacturing workforce.
HDA has been selected as the sole tenderer to bid for Land 8116, a $0.9 billion to $1.3 billion project which will see the Commonwealth acquire self-propelled artillery systems to be manufactured in the Greater Geelong area of VIC.
In conjunction with HDA, The Gordon will undertake a thorough analysis of training needs to determine the precise learning and development requirements to build and sustain a skilled local workforce that can manufacture and maintain various capabilities for the ADF.
"The Gordon has the capabilities, expertise and experience to support Hanwha in its bid to secure this project," The Gordon’s CEO Joe Ormeno said. "And with the support of our Skills and Jobs Centre, we have the means to engage a robust recruitment and training strategy that will ensure a workforce capable of meeting the expected demands.”
A large number of specialised roles across manufacturing and engineering are required to deliver the project, from the initial program setup through to ramp up and the ongoing production phase.
“On completion of recruitment and training through The Gordon, individuals will possess the skills to proficiently carry out their assigned job tasks for the duration of this project," Ormeno said.
“A strategy for employing skilled individuals in a timely manner is vital for developing an advanced defence manufacturing industry in Geelong,” Richard Cho, Managing Director of HDA said. “By partnering with The Gordon I am confident that Hanwha will be able to recruit and develop the workers we need from the local community.
“Partnering with an iconic local institution such as The Gordon will greatly help Hanwha’s integration into the local community."