Propel scholarship program launched at Parliament House

This morning, ATSE officially launched the Propel: Australian Submarine Scholarship Program and formally welcomed the inaugural cohort of 800+ Propel scholars.

This milestone event at Australian Parliament House featured Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, marking a significant step in building the skilled workforce needed to support Australia’s future submarine capability.

Attendees included a number of the incoming Propel cohort, as well as other stakeholders and partners contributing to the success of the program. They heard from:

• Professor Kylie Walker AM, ATSE CEO
• Bruce Easterson, Head Engineering and Technology, Australian Submarine Agency
• Rear Admiral Rachel Durbin AM CSC FTSE RAN, Head Navy Engineering and ATSE Fellow
• Katelyn, Propel scholar and nuclear science student, who spoke on behalf of the inaugural cohort

Propel will support thousands of students across Australia with scholarships and career pathways into the defence science workforce — helping to grow a highly skilled, future-ready workforce.