More than 220 Adelaide workers join Osborne shipbuilders ASC in rapid hiring spree

More than 220 workers dumped by AUKUS have joined ASC in a massive hiring spree in preparation for the nuclear sub build.

Federal government-owned shipbuilder ASC has welcomed an influx of more than 220 Adelaide workers dumped by the cancellation of the French submarine contract.

Figures obtained by The Advertiser show how ASC is rapidly bolstering its ranks in preparation to build a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, hiring 222 people who were made redundant at defence companies Naval Group Australia and Lockheed Martin.

The hiring spree comes as Finance Minister Simon Birmingham and senior ASC officials prepare to explain, to a Senate estimates committee on Tuesday, how South Australia plans to build at least eight nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS security pact with the US and UK.

ASC chief executive Stuart Whiley says the new workers will help enhance the Collins-class fleet and prepare for the nuclear-powered submarine program. Picture: Kym Smith

“This is an extremely exciting time for Australia’s submarine industry as we enhance the capability of the Collins-class submarines and prepare for the nuclear program,” ASC chief executive Stuart Whiley said.

More than 290 workers applied to join ASC after the government scrapped the $90bn Attack-class submarine project in September last year.

Six Australians who relocated to France have accepted roles at ASC. The 222 new jobs are spread across engineering, project management, supply chains and corporate.

Finance Minister Simon Birmingham said the federal government was committed to keeping highly skilled workers in SA.

“South Australia is the centre of naval shipbuilding in this country, with all skilled workers essential to meet our ambitious program,” Senator Birmingham said.

Former Naval Group electrical engineer Anna Porras joined ASC in January. Picture: ASC

Anna Porras got a job with ASC in January after working for two years as an electrical engineer on the Attack-class program with Naval Group.

“The scope of work that we have at ASC is massive,” she said. “It’s rewarding to be able to use the skills I’ve developed on previous projects, while also learning new things.”