H&B Defence and Curtin University have announced a new partnership to deliver Australia’s first nuclear fundamentals training course designed and taught by UK and US nuclear-powered submarine experts.
Beginning in March 2026, the two-day micro-credential will be offered several times throughout the year, strengthening Western Australia’s technical readiness as the state prepares to support the sustainment of nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS.
Targeted at engineers, technicians, project managers and defence industry support professionals, the course will provide foundational knowledge of naval nuclear propulsion, including:
- naval nuclear engineering fundamentals
- history and evolution of US and UK naval nuclear programs
- critical quality, assurance and risk-management frameworks
- safety, regulatory and compliance expectations for nuclear-powered submarine sustainment.
Participants will gain practical insights into the standards, culture and discipline required to work safely and effectively within a nuclear-regulated environment — skills increasingly in demand as Australia builds its sovereign capability in this space.
Accredited as a Curtin University micro-credential, the course will be delivered by H&B Defence’s international team of certified nuclear professionals, drawing on the proven global experience of parent companies HII (US) and Babcock (UK). These subject matter experts bring a level of unmatched nuclear capability to the region, holding more than 160 years of collective real-world experience in nuclear engineering, operations, safety and regulatory compliance.
This depth of expertise ensures participants learn directly from practitioners who understand the demands of modern nuclear programs and can translate complex concepts into practical, job-ready skills for Australia’s emerging submarine workforce.
In a further boost to WA’s defence workforce pipeline, the Western Australian Government has confirmed new funding through its Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grant Program to support a second micro-credential course in late 2026. This follow-on course will focus on submarine technology, regulations and support infrastructure, complementing the nuclear fundamentals program, and forming a broader training pathway for industry professionals seeking to enter or advance within the submarine sustainment workforce.
A number of places in the inaugural course will be reserved exclusively for Henderson Alliance members, further supporting the growth of WA’s defence industrial ecosystem.
The course will be delivered in person in Perth, with limited places available per intake to ensure high-quality, interactive learning. Expressions of Interest for the course on 25-26 March are now open through Curtin University.
Western Australia Skills and TAFE Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said: “The Cook Government is committed to growing WA’s defence industry workforce, through funding for our TAFE sector to produce job-ready graduates, and targeted support such as the Defence Industry Reskilling and Upskilling Grant Program.”
“The program will train defence industry professionals for the jobs created as our AUKUS collaboration helps to diversify the Western Australian economy.”
Western Australia Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia said: “This partnership is a critical step in readying Western Australia to host and sustain nuclear-powered submarines under AUKUS, well ahead of Australia acquiring its own fleet in 2032.”
“As the nation’s home of AUKUS, Western Australia is seizing the opportunity to build the capability to support this once-in-a-generation endeavour.”
H&B Defence Managing Director Tim Brown said: “This course gives Australian industry participants the technical grounding foundational to operating in a nuclear-regulated environment. It’s a critical step in building the workforce required to sustain nuclear-powered submarines safely and effectively in Australia.”
“Partnering with fellow AUKUS Workforce Alliance member, Curtin University, ensures the course is delivered to the highest academic and industry standards. With Henderson Alliance securing places for its members, we are widening access to the skills needed to support Australia’s future nuclear-powered submarine capability under AUKUS.”
Curtin University Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Science and Engineering Professor Chris Rawson said: “This new program will play a critical role in building the skilled workforce required for Australia’s future submarine capability. Our collaboration with H&B Defence will support Western Australia’s rapidly growing defence industry, while helping to ensure the state is ready to meet the demands of a highly specialised and strategically important sector.”
Henderson Alliance Chairperson Rohan Green said: “SMEs will form a key element of the capability growth that is needed in Western Australia to build and sustain nuclear-powered submarines. Ensuring places for our members in this fantastic initiative will ensure they have the opportunity now to build capability and position themselves for opportunities in the AUKUS supply chain.”