Whether it’s the people, the work, or the ambition to support the men and women in the Royal Australian Navy, there is strong desire to work at ASC.
So far in 2025, Australia’s submarine company has welcomed 81 apprentices and graduates to the workforce in South Australia and Western Australia.
Forty-one future submarine builders and sustainers have commenced four-year, full-time electrical, mechanical and fabrication apprenticeships, including 20 at Osborne in South Australia, and 21 at Henderson in Western Australia. It’s the highest ever intake in the west.
ASC has also recently welcomed 40 graduates across both sites – future submarine engineers and designers, project managers, cyber security specialists, and people and culture professionals.
ASC Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley is pleased so many people are choosing a career in submarine build and sustainment.
“Working at ASC guarantees meaningful, challenging and rewarding work within an enterprise that helps protect the men and women who protect us,” says Stuart.
“People joining ASC today, and in the next 10 years, can look forward to a lifelong career in multi-class sustainment and build, working on some of the most complex machines ever built.”
Stuart says ASC is working tirelessly to grow and develop the workforce that is required to continue sustaining Australia’s Collins Class submarines, and support the Australian Government’s mission to sustain and jointly build conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines.
“Our company is proud of the professional development and growth opportunities we offer our employees, along with job security, flexibility, and competitive remuneration,” he says.
“As someone who has spent the best part of their life in a submarine yard, I can attest to the rewarding career ahead for our newest recruits.”
Someone else who knows a thing or two about a long and fulfilling career is Craig, ASC’s Head of Production at the company’s Osborne yard.
Craig remembers moving from Sydney to Adelaide in 1990, after his dad secured a mechanical foreman job at ASC.
“I joined ASC in 1996 as a 17-year-old electrical apprentice, and still now, years later, there are no boring days in the yard,” says Craig.
“We work alongside people with a common goal to return the Collins Class submarines into service, so the Royal Australian Navy can perform their duties and protect us. I get a great deal of satisfaction in trying to make a positive difference to the cause.”
Working alongside Craig at Osborne is Team Lead Michael, who started at ASC in 1991 as a 17-year-old boiler maker apprentice.
“ASC is a great place to work because of the people and the high emphasis on safety and quality that we strive for,” Michael says.
“It sets us apart from other companies doing similar work.”
Fabrication apprentices Samara and Lachlan met Craig and Michael on their first day. The 17-year-olds were among a record-breaking 1,300 people to apply for one of the positions.
Lachlan is looking forward to the challenge ahead.
“I’ve always liked fabrication, and working here I know I’ll reach a good standard,” he says.
“It will be a challenge to get myself to the level where I can confidently weld things for a submarine that will be underwater and keeping people safe.”
Samara is also looking forward to developing her skills “and meeting new people”.
On day one of their apprenticeship at ASC’s production and training workshop at Henderson in WA, workshop manager Josh, who has worked at ASC nearly 14 years, showed four new apprentices how to use a grinder.
“I like watching the apprentices grow,” says Josh.
“They start as young kids, some straight out of school, and by the time they finish they are young adults.”
When considering the apprenticeship, 19-year-old electrical apprentice, Molli, looked at the bigger picture.
“We’re working towards something bigger; we’re working for the safety of all Australians,” she says.
Learn more about career opportunities at ASC.
