Austal Gets Government Funds for Skills Training

A Letter of Intent has been signed between the Australian Government, Department of Defence and Austal regarding the Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Program (SADI). Subject to confirmation of a formal agreement, Austal will conduct the following general activities in order to receive payments of up to $1.1 million over the 2005-06 financial year.

· Recruitment Programs including: attraction activities, additional apprentices, dual apprentices and mature age apprenticeships.

· Training / Upskilling Programs including: on the job training, additional TAFE courses and leadership development and team building courses.

· Retention Programs involving a broad range of initiatives including: coordinator and supervisor development, new starter familiarisation and enhanced HR capacity.

Skilling Australia’s Defence Industry Program is a policy initiative announced by the Government in 2004 to address a significant shortfall in the quantity and quality of skills available to defence industry to ensure that the Australian Defence Force has the capabilities it needs to defend Australia and its national interests.

Austal Chairman, Mr John Rothwell commented, “Austal has always had a strong policy with regard to apprenticeships, recruitment and training. With a strong relationship now forged between Austal and the Defence Department we are pleased to be able to cooperate and provide even more employment opportunities to the community.”