Workforce register is getting the job done

Australian industry identified the sourcing of skilled, experienced workers as a critical element in the success of the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.

Anticipating this need the Naval Shipbuilding College (the College) launched a national Workforce Register in April 2018. It provides a pool of suitably skilled employment candidates for industry and businesses associated with the design, build, integration and sustainment of the Royal Australian Navy’s future fleet.

Chief Executive of the College Ian Irving said the Workforce Register now has more than 1600 candidates who are actively seeking employment, or educational and training skilling pathways leading to employment, within the Enterprise.

“We have a mandate to assist and offer guidance to first time entrants into the industry and people upskilling within the industry, to acquire the skills, training and experience required by employers associated with the National Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise,’’ he said.

“It forms part of the broader scope of the College to provide a range of people with opportunities to develop meaningful and exciting careers that will offer advancement and growth over their lifetime.’’

Colin Page, a 57-year-old engineer with extensive design experience across a number of allied industries, found his new job as Chief Draftsperson with BAE Systems Australia thanks to the Workforce Register.

“I wasn’t having any success with the big employment agencies I had signed up with,’’ he said.

“I wasn’t getting any feedback, so I decided to try the Workforce Register, which I found through LinkedIn. As soon as I signed up I got an interview with one of their Candidate Engagement Consultants.

“Because I joined the Register, every Friday I received an email with the jobs being advertised within naval shipbuilding across Australia.

“Although I am based in Adelaide I applied for a job with BAE Systems Australia in Sydney as a chief draftsperson. After a couple of interviews I secured the job. It all happened quite quickly in the end.

“I see a lot of potential for progressing my career with BAE and the first month has been a great start.’’

Managing Director of ASC Shipbuilding Craig Lockhart said the Workforce Register is helping provide the naval shipbuilding industry with a valuable source of skilled workers.

“Ensuring there is a pipeline of skilled workers throughout the continuous Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise is one of the challenges for industry,’’ he said.

“The Workforce Register is a great first port of a call for potential workers who are looking to gain employment within the industry across Australia.

“BAE Systems, through ASC Shipbuilding, is collaborating with the Naval Shipbuilding College to help identify the skills and volume of resources needed across a number of states.

“Our involvement encompasses the design and build of the Hunter Class Frigates over three decades, so it is important for us to work with the College and identify supply solutions.’’

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