Young Welder’s Dream Amid Submarine Controversy
Emma Parker, a determined student from Ocean View College, is setting her sights on a future as a welder with ASC or BAE Systems, the companies tasked with constructing Australia’s next-generation submarines. With two years left in high school, Parker is already preparing for her apprenticeship, having begun her welding education in Year 7. Her school offers specialized trade education, equipping students with skills in welding, carpentry, and job safety, crucial for the burgeoning shipbuilding industry in the region.
A Community Divided Over Nuclear Submarines
The Lefevre Peninsula, where Parker resides, is at the center of a heated debate regarding the AUKUS submarine project. Announced in 2021, the initiative involves constructing nuclear submarines at the Osborne Naval Shipyard, a decision that has sparked both excitement and concern among local residents. While many see the project as a boon for job opportunities, others fear the implications of having a nuclear facility nearby.
Parker’s school has established partnerships with ASC and BAE Systems, providing students with hands-on experience and a pathway to employment. In 2025, she was the only girl in her trade education class, where she honed her skills by creating various projects, including a workbench and name tags. As she prepares for work experience at ASC, Parker is motivated by the prospect of being a role model for other young women in trades, emphasizing that “women can do a trade.”
However, the community’s response to the AUKUS project is mixed. While some residents express enthusiasm for the job prospects it brings, others, like Eileen Darley from the Port Adelaide Community Opposing AUKUS (PACOA), voice concerns about environmental risks and the lack of transparency from the government. Darley and her group have organized protests and public meetings to raise awareness about potential dangers, including nuclear waste storage.
Despite the controversy, many residents are optimistic about the economic benefits. Local real estate agents report increased interest in properties near the shipyard, driven by investors from major cities. As construction is set to begin by 2030, the local council is focused on balancing community benefits with the challenges posed by the nuclear project. For Emma Parker, the unfolding developments only fuel her ambition, as she aims to carve out a successful career in a field that is increasingly welcoming to women.
