iscover
BAE Systems Australia has welcomed its largest ever intake of apprentices in South Australia, with 52 new recruits joining the company’s defence programs in 2025.
The intake includes 47 apprentices who will work on the Hunter Class Frigate Program at Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide, where six state-of-the-art anti-submarine warships are currently under construction.
An additional five apprentices have joined BAE Systems’ Advanced Manufacturing facilities at Edinburgh Parks, which produce components for key defence projects, including the Nulka active decoy, the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, and high frequency surveillance exports.
The apprentice cohort is part of a broader recruitment drive, with more than 260 graduates, apprentices and interns set to join BAE Systems across its Australian operations in 2025. Some of the new apprentices at Osborne have come through Findon Technical College, where students develop foundational skills for trades roles in shipbuilding.
BAE Systems Australia’s chief people officer, Angela Wiggins, said the record intake reflected the company’s commitment to fostering talent in South Australia’s defence industry, in collaboration with the state government and education providers.
“This is a world-class example of industry, the education sector and government working together for the benefit of Australia,” Wiggins said.
The apprentices will contribute to a major workforce expansion at Osborne, where more than 2,500 employees are expected to be working at peak construction.
“The Hunter program is building the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare frigates, establishing the foundation for continuous naval shipbuilding in Australia,” Wiggins said.
“This will deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs into our economy.”
BAE Systems plans to continue ramping up recruitment, with 400 new trades roles to be offered in 2025, along with 600 additional positions across its maritime operations at Osborne.
“Congratulations again to our new apprentices. We know you have bright futures ahead,” Wiggins said.
The growing workforce highlights South Australia’s role as a key hub for Australia’s naval shipbuilding industry, ensuring long-term employment opportunities for skilled workers in the defence sector.
