Babcock Australasia (Babcock) will nurture a string of eager trainees and apprentices across its Adelaide operations from next month, in support of two new defence pathway initiatives launching into South Australia.
The Adelaide-headquartered prime has signed up to train and develop several aspiring defence workers as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening the state’s skilled workforce and meet the future labour requirements of Australia’s maritime sector.
Shipbuilding Employment Pathways (SEP)
The first pathway is a pilot initiative designed to recruit apprentices into trades critical to the successful delivery of nuclear-powered submarines and the construction and sustainment of major surface vessels.
The four-year program offers apprentices nationally accredited training and hands-on experience across the following trades:
- Engineering – Fabrication
- Engineering – Mechanical
- Electrotechnology – Electrician
Defence Industry Pathways Program (DIPP)
The second program is a 12-month traineeship that combines TAFE-based education with ongoing work placements at leading defence companies such as Babcock.
The Certificate III in Defence Industry Pathways offers a unique opportunity to explore high-demand roles like manufacturing, engineering, computing, logistics, and cybersecurity, while also allowing participants to gain competencies in less familiar ancillary defence industries that match their interests.
Babcock’s support of DIPP in South Australia follows its long standing association with the program in the West, where it recently received a Navy Commendation for its work as a diversity and inclusion employer.
Over the last three years, Babcock has hosted 15 DIPP trainees at its Henderson operation, retaining 14 of them long term across a range of disciplines including scheduling, purchasing and logistics.
The DIPP and SEP programs will be delivered in South Australia by Group Training Organisation, PEER, in partnership with TAFE SA as the Registered Training Organisation. Both initiatives are co-funded by the Commonwealth and South Australian governments.
Expressions of interest to join the next intake of the DIPP or SEP programs can be made here.
Quotes attributable to Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland
“A recent study by Oxford Economics highlights that we sustain more than 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs in South Australia through our direct, indirect and supply chain activities – a number we are determined to grow.”
“South Australia is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding Australia’s national interests, and initiatives such as the SEP and DIPP programs are a vital step toward building our future workforce.”
“Our active involvement in both programs reflects our dedication to fostering a capable and emerging defence workforce and our aspiration to be the employer of choice in the defence industry.”
“These initiatives are open to South Australians of all backgrounds—be it chefs, single parents, or students—offering genuine opportunities to develop valuable skills, contribute meaningfully, and secure long-term, well-paid careers.”
