BMT has launched a new collaborative graduate program with Ships Division, within Defence’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group (CASG), to place some of Australia’s best new marine systems engineers and naval architects.
The program sees newly graduated marine systems engineers and naval architects undergo a year-long work program, shared across BMT and Ships Division, exposing them to a range of experiences across the shipbuilding enterprise, including the Hunter Class Frigate Program.
Graduates will receive ongoing support through BMT’s Global Graduate & Apprentice program, which is running alongside the cooperative program with CASG.
The organisations say the Cooperative Graduate Development Program is aimed at developing engineers to support the naval shipbuilding enterprise, delivering an increased industry skills base, with broad experience and a route for SMEs to provide professional development to their newest employees.
Ships Division will be receiving the graduates on secondment for half of their first year, and for the remainder of the year, the graduates will be working within the BMT business on a broad range of other multidisciplinary projects, and attending BMT training courses.
“We are thrilled to be working with BMT and to be able to welcome graduates into Team Hunter early in their careers," Director General Hunter Class Frigate, Commodore Scott Lockey, said. "Over the next two decades, Ships Division will progress the most extensive and ambitious shipbuilding program to modernise the Royal Australian Navy’s fleet.”
“The need for skilled workers, like marine systems engineers and naval architects, will continue to increase. Supporting our graduate cohort to gain access to the projects within CASG’s Ships Division will provide them with a broad experience on which to start their careers.”
“We recognise the importance of developing and investing in the next generation of industry professionals to support the building of Australia’s sovereign naval capability," Graeme Nayler, Regional Business Director, BMT commented.
“We are committed to offering excellent personal and professional development opportunities to those early on in their careers. Our program gives graduates the opportunity to work on some of the country’s most critical naval projects.”
The program is being run as a pilot, with the ambition to continue building on its success, ensuring a pipeline of skilled engineers is being developed for the benefit of the naval shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise.