BAE Williamtown's future a jobs bonanza for Port Stephens

By extending the existing lease on the 5-hectare site to the south of the plant located in Williamtown Drive (part of the Astra Aerolab precinct alongside the Williamtown RAAF Base), BAE is preparing to secure the long-term future of the F-35 (also known as the joint strike fighter) program.

It's an investment worth tens of millions of dollars and according to Andrew Chapman, director of aircraft sustainment and training at BAE Systems Australia, would create hundreds of local jobs, predominantly reflecting STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

"The lease extension on the land which will house the F-35 regional warehouse provides an opportunity to integrate distribution and transportation till the end of the F-35's life expectancy in 2075," Mr Chapman said.

"It will result in the creation of around 750 high-tech jobs, direct and indirect, by 2025, and comprise 76 businesses, including 22 small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in the supply chain, five of which are located in the Hunter."

He said that the company was committed to working with local partners to advance the next generation of a Defence-related workforce in Port Stephens.

"BAE Systems will be one of the top employers across the Hunter and there is a great opportunity for growth in areas such as engineering, IT, fabrication and recruitment. This is great news for local girls and indigenous youth."

Mr Chapman said that BAE Systems had adopted a four-pronged system focusing on engagement, inspiration, development and recruitment.

"We will look to engage students from Year 5 and up in STEM learning, create meaningful technology experiences and remove cultural barriers," he said.

"We hope to create inspirational experiences and opportunities for students; offer industry scholarships and cadetships and recruit technical apprenticeships to meet business needs.

"BAE needs a range of engineers and tradespeople in structures, mechanics and avionics to work the range of aerospace projects."

He said that a new aero skills subject had already been added to the Year 11 and 12 school curriculum, which had been taken up by Hunter River High and a selection of other Hunter schools.

Some of BAE Systems partners in the program include Regional Development Australia's ME Program, Newcastle University, AviSkills and HunterNet.

All up Australia will purchase 72 advanced fifth-generation F-35s as part of the $17 billion Defence program, with a majority of the aircraft based at Williamtown.

BAE Systems would continue to play a major role in the conversion of the aircraft and preparing Air Force pilots for the single-seat jet, which features advanced radar, network-centric sensor and communications suites alongside a potent strike capability.

Mr Chapman said that since the inception of the program, BAE Systems had won three regional assignments - the South Pacific regional depot for all F-35 aircraft; the Asian Pacific F-35 warehouse project; and maintenance of more than 50 aircraft components.

He said that that the economic benefits to Port Stephens and the Hunter would be significant as BAE Systems looked to upsize and upskill its workforce and its standing in the Asian Pacific region.

"We aim to keep striving, improving and optimising and that's why talent is very important ... our focus is to provide Defence with the optimum capability."

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