Maritime Mastery concerns the development of a deep understanding of the environment in which we fight, and the core requirements of individuals and teams to generate capability at sea.
Technical Mastery is based around mastering the technical skills required for professions, and utilising experience to achieve operational and battle worthiness outcomes.
Social Mastery is the development and application of emotional and social competencies to generate high-functioning individuals and teams who achieve results with and through RAN personnel.
BAE Systems Australia saw an opportunity to contribute to the Navy Mastery System within the Technical and Social elements, while the company also benefits from having highly-skilled people embedded into the Hunter Class Frigate Program through the Defence Industry Secondment Program.
Through these secondments, BAE Systems Australia get skilled and capable people, contribute to a RAN program, and lead industry participation, while the RAN and Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group get a ready-made framework to up-skill their people.
Areas for secondment opportunities include: Supply Chain, Engineering, Project Management, Quality Control, and Trades.
Quotes attributable to BAE Systems Australia – Maritime Head of Operations Management, Dean:
“When designing this framework we read through the Navy Mastery System in detail to really get a good understanding of how we, as a company, can contribute to it.
“The work we have been doing around SQEP feeds into the Navy Mastery System, and we knew we had something to offer.
“These secondments generate a higher level of understanding between BAE Systems Australia, the Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group and the Royal Australian Navy, and they open the door to even greater collaboration between us on the Hunter program.
“The sky is the limit in terms of the experience that RAN and NSSG personnel can get here – we have a lot of roles that can be opened up, and we’re keen to rotate as many people through as possible.”
Quotes attributable to Naval Architect secondee, Suzanne Sigalas:
“I have been involved in the Civil Engineering Development Program ran by Navy, so when this opportunity came up I was keen on getting involved.
“The Navy Mastery System is a great initiative to have, and secondment opportunities are really important for sharing knowledge.
“I didn’t have any pre-conceived notions coming in – I was excited to ‘see the other side of the fence’ and try something new, as there’s always something new to learn.
“This secondment has given me a better understanding of practices at BAE Systems Australia, as well as the opportunity to see the design elements and the amount of work that goes into producing ships.
“The Maritime industry is small, so creating connections, relationships, and contacts across Navy and industry is incredibly beneficial.
“I hope to be with the Naval Construction Branch (NCB) for the completion of the first batch of Hunter class frigates – it will be a great sense of achievement having been on both sides of the fence on the program.
“I’d definitely recommend getting involved in the Navy Mastery System and doing secondments – it’s such a great opportunity to walk in the shoes of others and see what they contribute.”