Promised employment opportunities in a resurgent defence sector are turning into reality, with Henderson-based shipbuilder Austal launching a campaign to hire 500 new blue and white-collar workers across the next 12 months as it commences Landing Craft shipbuilding programs for Australia’s Defence Force.
Austal is recruiting for a range of trades and office-based roles across the company’s Henderson and Fremantle facilities, with a significant focus on recruiting experienced tradespeople, such as fabrication, pipe fitting and welding, electrical, mechanical fitting and cabinet maker trades, regardless of experience in shipbuilding. Office-based roles include engineering, project management and support, procurement and quality professionals.
In addition to experienced hires, Austal will be continuing to hire for its apprenticeship and graduate programs which provide opportunities for those in their early career, or those wishing to change careers, to gain experience in shipbuilding.
“The new roles will contribute to the delivery of Australia’s future defence fleet from the company’s Henderson shipyard, supporting the Commonwealth’s objective of continuous naval shipbuilding in Western Australia and commitment to strengthening Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability,” said Austal Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg.
“Providing new employment opportunities within shipbuilding and the Henderson Precinct, supporting local jobs and skills development, and delivering critical capabilities for Australia’s Defence Force is core to Austal’s vision and operations.” Austal CEO Paddy Gregg.
The company currently employs more than 1,000 people across Australia and operates flexible working options, including a 4-day work week for production teams and a 9-day fortnight for office-based roles. Other employee benefits include continuous professional development opportunities and additional leave options.
Austal’s workforce expansion comes as the company continues to deliver advanced vessels for the Navy, Border Force and Army, securing new opportunities that will provide decades of work and contributing to long-term economic growth and skills development within Western Australia.
The Henderson Precinct within the Australian Marine Complex remains integral to Australia’s naval shipbuilding strategy, with Austal’s Henderson shipyard having played an important role in building and sustaining vessels for more than three decades.
Roles will be posted to Austal’s careers website, austaljobs.com/australia, which people can visit to find out more information.