The Occupational Pathways for Defence project will develop a national Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework to support Naval personnel transitioning into civilian maritime occupations and help address critical workforce shortages across Australia's maritime industry.
Australia’s maritime industry is experiencing a critical shortage of skilled workers, particularly trained seafarers. At the same time, Defence personnel with relevant maritime experience often face limited pathways into civilian maritime careers.
This project will develop a national Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) framework that supports the transition of Naval personnel into civilian maritime occupations. The framework will create clearer pathways between Defence service and nationally recognised maritime qualifications, helping to strengthen workforce supply and improve career mobility.
The Strategic Fleet initiative highlights the need for a stronger and more agile maritime workforce.
By creating clear pathways from Defence to civilian maritime careers, this project will:
Accelerate the supply of qualified seafarers.
Address occupational shortages in officer and deck roles.
Optimise government investment in Navy training.
Increase career transition opportunities for Defence personnel.
Strengthen collaboration across industry, government and training providers.
Industry Skills Australia will work with key stakeholders including AMSA, maritime enterprises, unions and education providers to develop and validate a national RPL framework for Naval personnel transitioning into civilian maritime occupations.
The project will identify Defence roles aligned to workforce shortages, map existing skills and experience to nationally recognised qualifications, identify training pathway gaps, and promote transition opportunities through the National Maritime Skills Network.
Industry Skills Australia has commenced stakeholder engagement to identify Naval occupations that align with workforce shortages in the civilian maritime sector. Consultation with industry, regulators and training providers will inform the development of a draft Recognition of Prior Learning framework and recommendations for improving Defence-to-maritime transition pathways.
The framework will be validated with key stakeholders prior to finalisation and submission in April 2027.