With both Phil and his wife Amelia working at BAE Systems Australia, the family's connection has now extended to the next generation, as their son Riley begins his career as an apprentice.
Based at Osborne, Phil began his career at BAE Systems Australia as a boilermaker during the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) program, contributing from 2011 to 2016 before returning in 2023.
“The launch of HMAS Hobart was a real highlight,” Phil said. “As well as being involved in sea trials.”
“When the opportunity came up to come back, it was an easy decision. We get to do work that matters and help contribute to the protection of our country – it's pretty cool.”
For Riley, that connection began well before his first day on the job.
In 2015, Riley attended the launch of HMAS Hobart, arriving early to catch a glimpse of his dad on board. At the time, Riley was interviewed by a reporter, proudly sharing how excited he was to see his dad involved.
In hindsight, it captured a moment that would one day come full circle.
“It's really cool, my dad is on the ship and I'm really proud of him,” Riley said in the interview.
Riley's mum, Amelia, also works at BAE Systems Australia as a Learning Projects Manager, helping support training and development across the workforce.
Amelia said, “Riley had shown an interest in metal trades, so we encouraged him to do a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways while at school and apply for work experience at the shipyard.”
“We knew we wanted him somewhere like BAE Systems Australia, there's nowhere else quite like it for the support provided to apprentices and the ongoing learning opportunities available.”
While the shipyard experience left a strong impression, it was the metal trade that truly stood out to Riley, and he began his Mechanical Engineering apprenticeship at Edinburgh Parks in February 2026.
“The team at Edinburgh Parks is great. I've really enjoyed getting involved in things on site like the Bucket Challenge and attending TAFE.”
“The pathways and career opportunities at BAE Systems Australia are really interesting,” Riley said. “I just want to keep learning, do my trade well, and see where that takes me.”
For Phil and Amelia, seeing Riley start his own career at BAE Systems Australia has been a source of immense pride.
Amelia and Phil's advice to Riley is: “Approach the opportunity to learn with excitement, don't be afraid to fail as long as you learn from it.”
“Mistakes are part of the deal, when starting at a new job or an apprenticeship. Show up with humility, honesty and an open mind and you will grow more than you can imagine.”