I ran the question through AI asking if Oz could build 7 nuclear plants atm - I probably should have said 5 big ones and 2 little ones
but the answer brought up some interesting points
It would be extremely difficult for Australia to quickly obtain a nuclear-trained workforce to build seven large nuclear facilities at present. Several key factors contribute to this challenge: 1. Severe workforce shortage: Australia is facing a critical shortage of workers in key trades needed for nuclear submarine construction. By 2030-2031, there will be a shortfall of over 75,000 workers across electricians, construction managers, metal machinists, and welders[4]. 2. Lack of existing nuclear expertise: Australia currently has no civilian nuclear workforce with the required mix of qualifications, skills, and experience to fulfill nuclear roles. The document states "There is no current Australian talent pool with the required mix of qualifications, skills, experience, and behaviours to fulfil the civilian nuclear workforce roles"[4]. 3. Massive scale of workforce needed: The AUKUS submarine program alone is projected to create around 20,000 direct jobs over 30 years, including up to 8,500 direct industrial jobs at its peak[2][3]. This indicates the enormous scale of workforce development required. 4. Geographic mismatch: The largest pools of skilled workers are in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, while submarine construction is planned for South Australia, which has the fewest relevant skills[4]. 5. Long-term training required: Australia is only beginning to develop nuclear engineering and science courses at universities[2]. Building the necessary expertise will take many years. 6. Competition for workers: The submarine program will compete with other industries for scarce skilled workers, further straining the labor market[1]. Given these significant challenges, rapidly developing a nuclear-trained workforce for seven large facilities would be extremely difficult for Australia at present. Extensive long-term planning, training programs, and workforce development initiatives would be required to build the necessary capabilities. Sources [1] AUKUS inflection point: Building the ecosystem for workforce ... https://www.ussc.edu.au/aukus-inflection-point-building-the-ecosystem-for-workforce-development [2] AUKUS submarine workforce and industry strategy - Defence Ministers https://www.minister.defence.gov.au...kus-submarine-workforce-and-industry-strategy [3] AUKUS Submarine Workforce And Industry Strategy https://www.pm.gov.au/media/aukus-submarine-workforce-and-industry-strategy [4] Critical worker shortage menaces nuclear-powered submarine ... https://www.defenceconnect.com.au/i...e-menaces-nuclear-powered-submarine-workforce [5] Australian industry and jobs front and centre of AUKUS submarines https://www.minister.defence.gov.au...ry-and-jobs-front-and-centre-aukus-submarines
