An innovative program being run by BAE Systems Maritime Australia in partnership with TAFE SA is helping to create a skilled and diverse workforce for the shipbuilding industry.
With BAE Systems Maritime Australia contracted to build the next generation of frigates for the Royal Australian Navy, the program is designed to prepare school students for future job opportunities.
The School-Based Apprenticeship Project launched in 2020 and there are now 33 students who have started an apprenticeship with BAE and TAFE SA while completing their SACE.
BAE Systems Maritime Australia Managing Director, Craig Lockhart, says programs such as this are important in creating long and rewarding careers in the industry.
“Now more than ever, creating new jobs, especially for young people, is a national priority and we’re pleased to play our part in supporting the nation’s economic recovery,” he says.
“We are committed to building a diverse and skilled workforce in Australia that will underpin an enduring shipbuilding capability, supporting Australia’s continuous naval shipbuilding journey for future generations.”
Alyssa Vincenzi (pictured) joined the program with the first intake of students in July 2020 and is completing a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade which includes spending one day a week at TAFE SA’s Regency Campus.
As a school-based apprentice at Sacred Heart College, she is continuing to study Year 12 while also starting her apprenticeship.
Alyssa says she was hooked the minute she heard about the Hunter class frigates during a school presentation by representatives from BAE Systems Maritime Australia.
“It really appealed to me, it’s a huge ship and I thought it would be amazing to work on, plus I think the skills are good life skills to have,” she says.
With her parents in trade-based careers, Alyssa says she can appreciate the value of learning practical skills and doesn’t feel daunted by being a female in the male-dominated industry.
“I have a twin brother and my dad’s a mechanic, so I’m used to doing things with them and that side of it really doesn’t bother me,” she says.
Since joining the program, Alyssa has learnt to weld, fabricate metal, and has been developing her spatial awareness allowing her to read and interpret technical drawings that would otherwise be considered as ‘upside down’ – a key engineering skill.
“I love welding – there’s something about welding and creating the perfect bead that I enjoy,” she says.
Alyssa is looking forward to working full-time with BAE Systems Maritime Australia next year and contributing to Australia’s largest ever surface shipbuilding project, which will deliver nine Hunter class frigates to the Royal Australian Navy.
“I used to be an army cadet and it’s something I really liked being part of, so I’m happy to be working on a defence project,” she says.
This story has been re-published with permission from tafesa.edu.au/tafe-sa-news
