Defence is looking to build up its skilled workforce to facilitate the AUKUS submarine initiative, with the announcement of 300 scholarships over the next five years to grow Australia’s nuclear science and engineering workforce. Minister for Defence Peter Dutton announced the new scholarships on Monday, communicating in a media release that it would allow the federal government to build a workforce with the skills to develop advanced technologies to meet the country’s national security needs. “The delivery of at least eight nuclear-powered submarines will see thousands of jobs created across the country over the next few decades,” Dutton said. “We must ensure our people have the right skills and qualifications to support and deliver this once-in-a-generation endeavour that will bolster our national security and defence.” The Defence Nuclear Science and Engineering Scholarships will be given to applicants who have demonstrated strong academic results in nuclear science and engineering STEM areas and are interested in a …