New international partnership to strengthen AUKUS workforce

• South Metropolitan TAFE and City College Plymouth sign new training partnership 
• Focus on defence industry skills, workforce capability and future training needs 
• Supports long‑term naval and defence workforce growth linked to AUKUS 
• Builds on South Metropolitan TAFE's expertise in defence industry training 

The Cook Government is supporting AUKUS workforce development, with South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE) signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom's City College Plymouth (CCP).

The new international partnership will build on the joint State and Commonwealth investment in the Defence Industry Skills Centre of Excellence at SM TAFE.

It 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.

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.

Comments attributed to Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"Building a highly skilled workforce is critical to supporting Western Australia's future defence industry and advanced manufacturing sectors.

"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."

Comments attributed to Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia:

"Western Australia has a key role in supporting Australia's long‑term defence capability, as part of the AUKUS program.

"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."