The first intake of apprentices from SA has started work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program with ASC Shipbuilding, a BAE Systems Australia company.
The 18 apprentices will form part of the growing workforce that will build the nine Hunter class anti-submarine warfare frigates. The students have all been recruited from 10 SA schools.
“The high school students will work in steelwork, mechanical, electrical and technical trades and will have the opportunity to begin their training while also completing school,” Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said.
“This apprenticeship program complements the work that ASC Shipbuilding is doing with its Diploma of Digital Technology. This is a terrific program that began earlier this year and which teaches the digital technology skills needed to work on the Hunter class frigates.”
ASC Shipbuilding will hire over 500 apprentices throughout the multi-decade Hunter Class Frigate Program, with a second intake of 22 students to occur later this year.
By the time nine anti-submarine warfare frigates are built, it’s estimated that three-quarters of the program workforce, including senior executives, will have started as graduates or apprentices.
“Recruiting our first group of apprentices is an important and significant step for the Hunter Class Frigate Program,” ASC Shipbuilding Managing Director Hunter Class Frigate Program, Craig Lockhart said. “Programs such as this are important in creating long and rewarding careers in the industry.”