Strengthening Australia's Maritime Workforce with the launch of the National Maritime Skills Network

The Hon. Andrew Giles MP, Minister for Skills and Training launched the National Maritime Skills Network (‘The Network’) at the Port of Melbourne on 27 February 2025. Senior industry leaders, government representatives, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, and training providers gathered to mark a significant milestone for training and workforce development in Australia’s maritime industry.

Australia’s maritime sector is evolving rapidly, with increasing workforce demands driven by the offshore oil and gas sector, the establishment of offshore wind farms, decommissioning priorities, new technologies, maritime decarbonisation policies, and the proposed Strategic Fleet.

Hosted by ISA Chair Jon Northorpe and CEO Paul Walsh, we extend our gratitude to our speakers whose contributions helped make the event a success:

• The Hon. Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training
• Alex Kuras, Executive GM of People and Culture, Port of Melbourne
• Angela Gilham, CEO, Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL)
• Jamie Newlyn, Assistant Secretary, Maritime Union of Australia
• Jon Northorpe, Chair, Industry Skills Australia

Established by Industry Skills Australia (ISA), the Network will bring together Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) from across the nation to strengthen collaboration, drive innovation, and deliver world-class training for Australia’s maritime workforce.

The Network will play a crucial role in addressing the skills pipeline needed to establish the Strategic Fleet workforce and Australia’s maritime industry more broadly.

The Foundation Members of the Network

Foundation Membership of the Network will comprise the three main TAFE Institutes and dual sector provider that deliver the Maritime Training Package qualifications required by the Strategic Fleet workforce:

• Australian Maritime College
• TAFE Queensland
• TAFE NSW
• South Metropolitan TAFE Maritime Campus (WA Fremantle)

ISA is the fifth Foundation Member and will support and coordinate the work of the Network.

The Network aims to:

• Expand training opportunities and accessibility
• Enhance workforce capability
• Build strong industry partnerships
• Promote maritime careers
• Increase the speed-to-market for new training programs
• Strengthen professional development for VET practitioners

This marks a significant step forward in supporting Australia’s maritime workforce. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in training, the Network will help promote and strengthen maritime careers across the nation. An effective maritime industry is fundamental to Australia’s economy and national security.

The Network will continue to be established throughout 2025, for updates please visit www.maritimeskills.org.au and register your interest.