British defence giant BAE Systems has set its sights on playing a major role in a project that will bring thousands of skilled jobs to Australia.
The company has signed onto an agreement with the South Australian government that will see it provide training and employment opportunities to workers involved in the construction of the AUKUS nuclear submarine project in Adelaide.
The AUKUS project is a major military project, involving the building of three nuclear-powered attack submarines for the Royal Australian Navy. It is estimated to cost the taxpayer $50 billion over the next 10 years, with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia predicting up to 15,000 jobs could come from the project.
Under the AUKUS security pact with the UK and US, BAE is undertaking a $45bn, troubled Hunter Class frigate program at the Osborne Naval Shipyard. Additionally, the British munitions and aerospace manufacturer and the SA government have committed to developing the state’s defence industry workforce as the need for skilled workers in this industry grows.
After promising that Australia’s acquisition and manufacturing of nuclear-powered submarines will create around 20,000 immediate jobs over the span of the next 30 years, the federal government has released an announcement.
