Anyone looking for evidence that predictions of an AUKUS-driven jobs boom will come to fruition in Western Australia (WA) need look no further than the work now underway at Garden Island.
There, at the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) HMAS Stirling base, ASC played a key role in the Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP) for the USS Vermont, a visiting US Navy Virginia Class submarine.
Throughout November 2025, ASC personnel worked alongside US counterparts from the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard (PHNSY) and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) to support the SMP through the execution of complex maintenance activities. Among them were 19 ASC workers who had been undertaking intensive Virginia Class sustainment training at the PHNSY and IMF.
As ASC Chief Capability Officer and WA resident Danielle Bull points out, this is just a taste of the significant work – and workforce growth – to come in the state.
“Submarine Rotational Force – West will get underway in 2027,” she says. “That will involve up to four US Virginia Class submarines and one UK Astute Class rotating out of HMAS Stirling, with ASC supporting their sustainment.
“Then from the early 2030s, we’ll have Australia’s own conventionally armed, nuclear-powered Virginia Class to sustain, followed by our nation’s sovereign SSN-AUKUS fleet from the 2040s.”
According to Danielle, preparing for this expansion, which comes on top of ASC’s critical work sustaining the RAN’s existing Collins Class submarines, will see the company add an estimated 250 more staff in WA by June 2026 and 700-plus by 2030.
“We know that around 70% of our future workforce will need to be developed internally, so we have an enormous focus on developing and expanding our apprenticeship, graduate and traineeship programs.
“Whether you’re an aspiring or emerging engineer, technician, trades specialist or support professional, that represents an incredible opportunity for you to pursue your goals – and contribute to Australia’s sovereign submarine capability – with ASC.”
Many early-career dreams already coming true
In 2025, ASC has welcomed over 70 early-careers recruits in WA – including 40 graduates, 13 undergraduates, and 21 apprentices – and a similar intake is expected for 2026.
They join a rapidly growing cohort of young tradespeople, engineers and other professionals drawn by the very real promise of working local with national impact.
For second-year WA Corporate Graduate Program participant Felicity, 23, the experience is delivering everything she’d hoped for.
“I love that I’ve have had the opportunity to experience the business from multiple perspectives,” she says. “Each rotation has deepened my understanding of how different teams contribute to ASC’s success, while helping me discover where I feel most energised and impactful.
“I’ve especially valued the chance to connect with a wide range of people, enabling me to learn from their expertise and contribute to work that is indispensable to our nation’s security.”
For WA-based ASC electrician and Apprenticeship Program graduate Joel, 28, that sense of purpose is complemented by the unique appeal of the technology ASC works with.
“The technical aspect of working on submarines really separates my job from conventional electrical work, which helps to keep my brain ticking,” he explains.
“Opportunities to work in Australia and overseas, and the mateship among ASC’s various departments, make it really enjoyable to come to work.”
To learn more about ASC’s current career opportunities, visit: asc.com.au/careers.