As the first Australian university to be be endorsed for delivering a course aligned with the future employment needs of the naval shipbuilding industry, Flinders is giving students a head start in emerging defence career pathways.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) is endorsed, with the following programs expected to follow:

Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Software) (Honours), Bachelor of Engineering (Maritime) (Honours) – in conjunction with the Australian Maritime College, Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics) (Honours) and Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics) (Honours).

Pro Vice-Chancellor, Learning and Teaching Innovation, Professor Deborah West says Flinders is committed to the partnership with the Naval Shipbuilding College, providing high-quality education pathways into shipbuilding careers for students.

“The endorsement of our degrees will ensure our graduates are well positioned for the large number of job opportunities that are being created as a result of the growth in the shipbuilding industry,” Professor West says.

Professor Karl Sammut and Professor Deborah West attending an event at the Naval Shipbuilding College in Osborne.

Naval Shipbuilding College Program Director Bill Docalovich said the unprecedented upgrade of the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet is taking a national approach with investment in our future skilled workforce.

“There are opportunities throughout Australia for meaningful careers in areas of production and sustainment across the Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise; and through this course endorsement process we’re helping students to graduate job-ready,” Mr Docalovich says.

“Through collaboration with education and training providers in every state and territory we are strengthening student pathways into rewarding, long-term, sustainable shipbuilding careers.

“15,000 skilled and professional jobs will be created through the Enterprise. Shipbuilding, supply and sustainment businesses in Australia are delighted to see their highly skilled future workforce taking shape.

“It demonstrates our commitment to ensuring our students are skilled and capable of meeting the changing needs of the workforce and future industries in Australia.”

The Australian Government established the Naval Shipbuilding College in 2018 to help secure a sovereign workforce to implement its $90 billion continuous naval shipbuilding program.

A national naval shipbuilding Workforce Register has been established for students and workers interested in working on some of the world’s most technologically advanced projects.

For more information and to join the workforce register visit the Naval Shipbuilding College website.