Maritime - National Maritime Skills Network

The maritime industry is a cornerstone of Australia's economic and national security. Handling 99% of Australia's trade by volume and 79% by value, maritime transport is indispensable. Beyond trade, the industry supports offshore wind farms, maintains and decommissions oil and gas installations, and plays a crucial role in tourism, fishing, and passenger movement.

The National Maritime Skills Network is pivotal in developing Australia’s maritime workforce. By uniting maritime training providers from across the country, the Network aims to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and promote excellence in maritime training. This initiative will build dynamic communities of practice focused on teaching, learning, and assessment. Additionally, it will enhance the geographical spread of training options and improve access for learners.

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

• Australian Maritime College
• TAFE Queensland
• TAFE NSW Newcastle
• South Metropolitan TAFE 

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) is the fifth foundation member. ISA will support and coordinate the work of the Network.

The establishment of the Network is being carried out through a co-design process involving Industry Skills Australia (ISA), the Initial Network Members, and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. In the first 18 months, the following outputs are expected:

• National Maritime Skills Network (Initial Membership)
• Public website - National Maritime Skills Network
• Network Hub for member collaboration
• An agreed program of work

Establishment of the Network will be completed by mid-2025, with initial operations and program of work activities commencing thereafter. 

Stay tuned for more updates as we progress towards building a robust and skilled maritime workforce for Australia.

If you would like to stay up to date with the establishment and activities of the National Maritime Skills Network, or would simply like further information, please contact Louise Bull.