The AUKUS submarines deal might have been making some auk-ward headlines since it was announced in September 2021.
But recently there’s been some pretty good news about the groundbreaking trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
According to the federal government it looks like Australia’s going to need at least 20,000 more workers to help build the nuclear submarine fleet over the next three decades.
You heard that right – 20,000 additional workers.
And with much of Gen Z entering adulthood and the workforce over the next few years a sizable chunk of these workers will be Gen Zs.
“The 20,000 jobs forecast includes workers supporting AUKUS in the Australian Defence Force, domestic industry and the Australian public service,” David Crowe wrote for the Sydney Morning Herald.
So what jobs are going to be available and which career paths are going to be in demand in order to transform the nation’s defence over the next 30 years?
There will be 8500 direct jobs in Australia building and servicing the submarines, including scientists, engineers, project managers, operators, technicians, electricians, welders, construction workers, metal fitters and builders.
So how can young Australians get their foot in the door?
Well, AUKUS jobs, a purpose-built skills-matching platform might be a good place to start.
The recruitment platform – which to be clear, is independent from the government – was founded by Mark Korsten, who has previously held roles in maritime security and served in the Royal Australian Navy until 2007.
“AUKUS Jobs is a commercially available skills matching platform that has been purpose-built to assist the Australian defence industry (and those of our AUKUS partners if they choose) to find, upskill and mobilise defence-relevant skills, experience and aspirations more efficiently and effectively,” Korsten told The Guardian.
So how can Gen Zs get on track to develop these skills necessary to build Australia’s nuclear submarines?
They can start here and check out some of Year13’s free online academy courses showing young people how to forge a career in engineering, construction, defence and tech:
- Engineering your future explores how engineering is all about blending science, creativity and problem-solving to design the world around us. Year13 teamed up with Engineers Australia to show you what it’s really like being an engineer, how to get started, and what sorts of exciting projects you could be working on in the future.
- The New-Print of Construction breaks down what you think you knew about construction. Year13 teamed up with Construction Skills Queensland to show you what’s available in the industry, what it takes to make a career of it, and what the future could hold for you.
- Choose your adventure is a great academy course for young Australians who are looking for something a little different from the 9-5. Whatever your skills, strengths or interests are, you’ll be able to find an amazing career serving Australia’s interests here and abroad with the Australian Defence Force.
- DigiSkills is a collaboration between Year13 and Digital Skills Organisation to show young Australians that digital skills aren’t just for IT professionals – they’re for everyone. Whether you’re looking to do a trade, work an office job or make digital tech your career, having an arsenal of digital skills at your fingertips can put you head and shoulders above your competition.
