The establishment of a Naval Shipbuilding College will help drive a new wave of skills development in Australia, according to Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews.
The Turnbull Government today announced the Naval Shipbuilding College will be established and managed by the Naval Shipbuilding Institute which will collaborate with key education and industry providers to increase the size and skill level of the workforce.
“The Government is taking a considered, strategic national approach to naval shipbuilding, and the skills and training sector will play a critical role in supporting the workforce that will be needed,” Minister Andrews said.
“Achieving considerable workforce expansion in a relatively short period of time and maintaining the skilled workforce required to deliver continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia are key challenges the Government’s Naval Shipbuilding College will help address.
“Once established, the work of the Naval Shipbuilding College will help dispel outdated perceptions about VET in Australia by demonstrating that quality vocational skills and training can lead to successful, meaningful, professional careers with great salaries and outstanding career prospects.”
Minister Andrews said this complemented the Government’s efforts to raise the status of VET through its real skills for real careers strategy.
“By highlighting the power VET has to set people on the path to career success, and by showing the range of careers available, we’re shifting perceptions about the value and benefits of vocational education,” Minister Andrews said.
“The VET sector has a critical role to play in the Turnbull Government’s national endeavour, providing the tools to upskill and reskill workers to support the naval shipbuilding and sustainment industry all across Australia.
“I look forward to working with my ministerial colleagues, the Naval Shipbuilding College and the VET sector to harness the opportunities that will stem from the Government’s announcement today.”
