In a significant stride towards international collaboration in workforce development, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas embarked on a U.S. tour in 2024, visiting Maryland, Newport (Virginia), Washington D.C., and California. His mission: to forge partnerships and glean insights that could bolster South Australia's workforce capabilities, particularly in defence, space, cyber, energy and technologies.
Maryland: Strengthening AUKUS Workforce Ties
In Annapolis, Maryland, Premier Malinauskas signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Governor Wes Moore to enhance skills capability and workforce development for the AUKUS program. This agreement focuses on developing the skilled workforce required for the trilateral AUKUS program, leveraging Maryland's robust defence and aerospace sectors. The partnership aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and bolster both regions' economies and technological advancements. Defence SA+1Defence SA+1adelaidenow+3PS News+3Defence SA+3
Virginia: Exploring Shipbuilding Excellence
At Newport, Virginia, Premier Malinauskas visited HII's Newport Shipbuilding division, the largest shipbuilding company in the United States. The visit was held in support of the trilateral Australia, United Kingdom, and United States (AUKUS) partnership. Discussions centered on workforce development and skills training essential for the AUKUS program. Premier of South Australia+9HII+9The Sub Monitor+9Defence SA+6Inside State Government+6The Sub Monitor+6
Washington D.C.: Engaging with Policy Makers
In Washington D.C., the Premier engaged with key leaders and decision-makers, including congressional representatives, to discuss the AUKUS submarine program and workforce development strategies. These high-level meetings aimed to ensure South Australia is best placed to develop the highly skilled workforce required for AUKUS. Defence SA+6Man Monthly+6Premier of South Australia+6
California: Advancing Clean Energy Collaboration
In California, Premier Malinauskas signed a letter of cooperation with the state, focusing on advancing renewable hydrogen and fostering clean energy solutions. This collaboration represents a pivotal step towards a sustainable, clean energy future for both regions.
Wendy Perry at NAWDP 2025: Sharing Australian Insights
Recently, Wendy Perry, Managing Director of Workforce BluePrint, represented Australia at the 41st National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP) Annual Conference in Virginia Beach. Her session, titled "Bridging the Workforce Gap: Lessons from Australia and the U.S. on Building a Resilient Future," delved into comparative workforce strategies and emphasised the importance of international collaboration.
Wendy's engagements included discussions with key workforce development leaders, including the Workforce Development Board colleagues from Maryland, Virginia and California, as well as meetings in Los Angeles. These interactions highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to advance workforce development through collaboration.
Shared Themes and Future Collaborations
Key themes emerging from both engagements include:
- Integrated Workforce Planning: Emphasising the need for cohesive strategies that align education, industry, and government initiatives.
- Skills-Based Hiring and Training: Focusing on competencies and practical skills over traditional qualifications to meet evolving industry demands.
- Technological Integration: Leveraging AI and data analytics to inform workforce strategies and address skill gaps.
- International Collaboration: Recognising the value of cross-border partnerships in sharing best practices and fostering innovation.
These developments signal a promising trajectory for workforce development, where international collaboration and shared learning pave the way for resilient and adaptive workforce ecosystems.
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