Flinders University is the first higher education institution in Australia to be endorsed as delivering a course aligned with the future employment needs of the naval shipbuilding industry.

The Naval Shipbuilding College has endorsed the university’s Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours), with its honours-level Electrical, Electronics, Maritime (in conjunction with the Australian Maritime College), Robotics and Software Engineering courses expected to follow.

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

“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,” he 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.”

Flinders University Pro Vice Chancellor, Learning and Teaching Innovation, Professor Deborah West says the university is committed to its partnership with the 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,” she says.

“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.