Nuclear foundations course prepares WA for AUKUS
Western Australia's first naval nuclear foundations training course has been launched, representing a major step in building the skilled workforce required to support AUKUS and the future sustainment of nuclear‑powered submarines at Henderson.
The course is funded through the State Government's $2.5 million Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling (DIRU) Grants Program. The grants program is designed to fast‑track job‑ready skills through industry‑led training partnerships, delivering specialised capability where it is needed most and strengthening Western Australia's sovereign defence workforce.
Through DIRU, H&B Defence has received a $568,000 grant to deliver training for up to 150 participants across the defence, naval and nuclear sectors.
Developed in partnership with Curtin University, the H&B Defence course will be delivered to engineers, technicians, project managers and defence‑industry support professionals.
The inaugural cohort of 40 participants is undertaking hands‑on, industry‑led learning informed by UK and US nuclear‑powered submarine programs.
The training provides early exposure to the rigorous standards, safety culture and discipline required to operate safely and effectively in nuclear‑regulated settings.
A second H&B Defence micro‑credential, focused on submarine enterprises, regulations and support infrastructure, is planned for late 2026 and will also be supported through the DIRU Grants Program.
The launch of the course follows the recent submarine maintenance period on the Royal Navy's HMS Anson at HMAS Stirling - the first time a UK nuclear‑powered submarine has undergone maintenance in Australia - marking another milestone as Western Australia builds the workforce capability required to support AUKUS.
