Australian submarine company ASC has agreed to a significant partnership with Tonsley Technical College that will provide employment pathways for school students into defence industries.

ASC has a skilled workforce of more than 1,900 employees and ongoing workforce demand.

As a key employer partner at the Tonsley Technical College, ASC will shape the learning experiences, support workplace learning and provide job opportunities through apprenticeships for students when they complete their programs.

This valuable employer partnership will also bolster the advanced manufacturing and engineering pathway being offered at the technical college, helping to ensure students are workplace ready when they complete their studies.

“Increased shipbuilding and submarine sustainment activities in South Australia in coming years will create unprecedented demand for skilled workers and it is important that we all work together - governments, industry, schools and higher education institutions - to develop the future workforce that we will need”, said Managing Director and CEO of ASC Stuart Whiley.

“At ASC, we're focused on sustaining and updating the Collins class submarines to ensure the Royal Australian Navy continues to operate a potent conventional submarine capability well into the 2030s. This important work requires a strong pipeline of qualified engineers, trades people and other skilled workers.

“This partnership with the Tonsley Technical College, and its advanced manufacturing and engineering stream, will enhance our ongoing collaboration with the South Australian Government, industry and the education sector. This will enable us to collectively build the skilled shipbuilding workforce that South Australia will need to meet future defence requirements.

“We look forward to welcoming Tonsley Technical College students into our apprentice, graduate, and early career programs in the years to come.”

The partnership will provide a significant opportunity for school students to learn with a prestigious defence company in advanced manufacturing and engineering and ensure the graduates get a head start on their career in the defence industries.

The announcement of the partnership follows the agreement with BAE Systems as a key employer partner at the Findon Technical College, which is open for enrolments now, and will be the first of the five new technical colleges to open.

“Engineering is core business for BAE Systems Australia and in skills shortage across Australia. This degree apprenticeship program builds on 10 years of knowledge gained through BAE Systems’ experience in the UK”, said BAE Systems Australia Chief People Officer Angela Wiggins.

“BAE Systems is a jobs and high-tech skills engine for Australia. Our national workforce of 5,800 is growing and we are working closely with the University of South Australia and our other education partners on innovative approaches to meet our skills needs.

“These are the skills that Australian industry needs today and in the future and will underpin the nation’s prosperity.”

The State Government has committed $208 million to build the five technical colleges – three in metropolitan Adelaide and two in regional South Australia – to provide a specialist senior secondary option that equips students with the workplace skills needed in areas of high demand.

Technical colleges will provide an innovative partnership for defence employers to get the skilled workforce that they need by engaging early with school students. The partnership with ASC and other employer partners aligns with the key industry sectors that have workforce demand in South Australia.

Ongoing consultation and engagement with industry after the extensive engagement across the state in 2022 has driven the development of the programs at each of the five planned technical colleges.

Each technical college will support young people to make successful transitions from school to employment and further study in the key areas which are required by South Australian industry.

In the case of the Tonsley Technical College, it will offer industry training programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering; Automotive and Energy; Building and Construction; and Health and Social Support, which will include a pathway to allied health and nursing.

These specialisations will prepare students for the jobs available now and into the future, with a focus on new technologies and future industries.

The Technical College, which has officially partnered with Flinders University and the Australian Science and Mathematics School (ASMS), will be located at Bedford Park.