Members of a forum set up to establish strong links between industry and policymakers involved in an international collaboration to develop submarines has held a meeting in Barrow.
The trilateral security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States known as AUKUS has a forum which ‘brings together industry, academia, researchers, government, and defence from the three member countries.’
Australian industrialist Michael Sharpe who is chief executive of the forum visited Barrow to meet Cumbrian industry leaders, education providers, and local stakeholders to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Hosted by the Keep Our Future Afloat group and Furness College, the visit showcased Barrow’s world-class shipbuilding capabilities, cutting-edge skills training facilities, and the potential for strengthening UK-Australian partnerships in key sectors.
“The scale of innovation and talent in Barrow is truly remarkable,” Mr Sharpe said.”The work being done here is vital not only for the UK but for the entire AUKUS alliance. There are clear opportunities for deeper collaboration between industry, education, and supply chains across our nations.”
A key focus of the visit was workforce development and ensuring a pipeline of talent to support the future of advanced manufacturing and defense projects.
The AUKUS Forum team visited Furness College’s state-of-the-art skills training facilities, where apprentices are being equipped with the technical expertise needed for high-demand roles in shipbuilding, engineering, and emerging energy sectors.
Meeting with the Furness Education and Skills Partnership (FESP) Chair and project delivery staff provided valuable insights into ongoing efforts to strengthen the local workforce.
Discussions centred on how UK-Australian collaboration can enhance skills exchange, training programs, and workforce mobility – laying the foundation for a highly skilled labour force capable of supporting future AUKUS initiatives.
“Training the next generation is at the heart of building a resilient, high-tech manufacturing ecosystem,” Mr Sharpe added. “The investment in skills here in Barrow is something that should be celebrated and replicated across AUKUS nations.”
The visit culminated in a strategic roundtable discussion on UK-Australian collaboration, bringing together business leaders, supply chain specialists, and government representatives to explore potential partnerships in defence, manufacturing, and energy sectors.
The discussion aimed to identify pathways for strengthening supply chains, fostering innovation, and unlocking new business opportunities for firms in Barrow and beyond.
