NSAN Hosts South Metropolitan TAFE Delegation in Preparation for the AUKUS Programme

The National Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN) was honoured to welcome a delegation from South Metropolitan TAFE (SM TAFE), a prominent Western Australian government agency operating under the Department of Training and Workforce Development (DTWD) on the 29th of November 2023.

In anticipation of the AUKUS programme, SM TAFE is actively working to establish a comprehensive framework for nuclear skills development. This initiative aims to equip workers and supply chain organisations with the necessary expertise to provide maintenance and support for nuclear-powered submarines.

The visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase NSAN’s collaborative approach to skills for nuclear and demonstrate how the Nuclear Training Network is working with sector employers to develop and deliver high-quality training solutions.

Despite the geographical distance, common challenges such as attracting young talent to STEM roles and supporting early career entrants were shared and discussed. NSAN members, Jacobs and Atkins, generously supported the visit, with Katie Elliot and Richard McMeekin providing valuable employer perspectives on the skills requirements and challenges in both civil and defence nuclear sectors.

Already a key contributor to skills development in the Australian defence sector, including for their conventional submarine fleet, SM TAFE faces the unique challenge of introducing nuclear skills training and fostering the requisite safety and security culture in a country without an established nuclear sector.

Tricia Austin, Managing Director of NSAN commented:

“As well as establishing direct links, the visit was a great opportunity to introduce NSAN and explain our collaborative approach with employers, providers and key stakeholders in the UK.  NSAN places a high value on collaboration and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with the SM TAFE and Western Australia Government supporting them on their journey to prepare for the AUKUS programme.  We are committed to advancing nuclear skills development and cultivating a strong safety, environmental and security culture.”

The meeting with NSAN was part of a week-long programme of visits to education and training bodies and facilities, to gain insights from established training programmes and proven delivery models across the UK’s civil and defence nuclear sector.