R-R to help strengthen Australian nuclear arm

ENGINEERING TRAINING AGREEMENT MADE WITH WESTERN AND SOUTHERN STATES

- By TELEGRAPH REPORTER

ROLLS-ROYCE has signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Western and South Australian governments that outline a commitment to collaborate on workforce development, skills training and critical technologies to support the growing defence sectors in each state.

This marks a significant step forward in Australian preparations for the AUKUS submarine programme, which will provide the nation with its first conventionally armed nuclear navy.

It also highlights the unique nuclear expertise Rolls-Royce brings to the AUKUS agreement.

Under the agreements, both Western and South Australian governments, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, will co-design and implement initiatives to build a highly-skilled workforce.

There will be a particular focus on strengthening the STEM pipelines and addressing critical skills gaps for current and future defence projects.

Rolls-Royce has powered the Royal Navy’s nuclear submarines for over 65 years and is expanding its Derby site to support both UK and Australian defence programs.

Rolls-Royce is the only private company in the world with the nuclear capability to manage reactor design, manufacture and decommissioning within one single entity.