BAE Systems Maritime Australia has partnered with Careers Centre Alliance to manage recruitment for the Hunter class frigate program being designed and built at Osborne Naval Shipyard.
A partnership between the Indigenous Defence Infrastructure Consortium and Randstad Australia, the Careers Centre Alliance will utilise existing systems and talent pools to deliver an end-to-end recruitment solution for BAE Systems.
Over the next five years, up to 900 trade and production workers will be required for the prototyping and construction of the nine anti-submarine warfare frigates.
The recruitment process will be seeking welders, electricians, pipe fitters, pipe welders, mechanical fitters, trade assistants, material handlers, operators, riggers, scaffolders and production supervisors.
These skilled tradespeople will be part of the 2,200-strong workforce expected to be in place at the peak of the Hunter class program – the biggest surface ship project in Australia’s defence history.
Careers Centre Alliance Partnership Manager, Brett Goodes, said the company were excited to be working with BAE Systems and the partnership will be highly valuable to Indigenous workers.
“The engagement of the Career Centre Alliance and the utilisation of our Information Technology platform will allow Indigenous recruitment and labour hire businesses to play a key role in building a sovereign capable workforce, which will include training and employment of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders brothers and sisters,” said Mr Goodes.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia Managing Director, Craig Lockhart said the program is more than building ships; it’s about developing long term capability and support of continuous naval shipbuilding for Australia.
“Our agreement with Careers Centre Alliance to grow our shipbuilding workforce is crucial to build sovereign capability to ensure Australians have the skills and opportunities to design, build and sustain our own ships,” said Mr Lockhart.
“This agreement supports our vision to ensure our shipyard of the future is very different to traditional yards; where our commitment to increasing diversity ensures our business is an inclusive place to work where our employees can be their best selves.”
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Published 23 March 2022
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