Western Australia’s South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom’s City College Plymouth (CCP) to support the state’s AUKUS workforce development.
The international partnership will build on the joint State and Commonwealth investment in the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence at SM TAFE, said WA Skills and TAFE Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
The Minister said the new partnership will strengthen defence industry workforce skills development in both countries and contribute to the success of the AUKUS agreement with the United States to advance defence capabilities.
“Building a highly skilled workforce is critical to supporting Western Australia’s future defence industry and advanced manufacturing sectors,” she said.
“This new partnership will ensure our TAFEs continue to deliver training that will support Western Australians to make the most of the opportunities that the AUKUS partnership will provide.
“Working with established international partners helps to position Western Australia as a leader in defence industry skills and training.”
She said SM TAFE’s partnership with CCP reflects growing international interest in Western Australia’s defence industry training capability, particularly as the State prepares for long-term naval workforce growth associated with major programs such as AUKUS.
The partnership provides a framework for collaboration between the two institutions, allowing them to share expertise and explore how vocational education and training can better respond to the evolving skills needs of defence-related industries.
“Western Australia has a key role in supporting Australia’s long‑term defence capability, as part of the AUKUS program,” said Defence Industries Minister, Paul Papalia.
“The recent arrival of HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling – the first ever UK nuclear submarine maintenance period conducted in Australia – demonstrates the pace of progress across the AUKUS partnership and highlights the increasing importance of WA’s skilled workforce.
“Strong international partnerships like this help ensure our workforce has the right skills ahead of Submarine Rotational Force – West commencing from 2027.
“This collaboration reinforces WA’s reputation as a trusted and capable contributor to global defence industry training and workforce development,” he said.
