Navigating the AUKUS Opportunity: What It Means for the UK Defence Sector and Workforce

As the AUKUS partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States gathers momentum, the defence sector is undergoing one of its most transformative shifts in recent history. For UK-based defence firms and the talent market, AUKUS is more than a strategic alliance—it’s a game-changer for innovation, collaboration, and workforce demand.

At Westlakes Recruit, we’re closely watching how this trilateral partnership is reshaping talent requirements across the UK, particularly in regions with deep-rooted defence capabilities like Cumbria and the North West. AUKUS opens the door to long-term submarine projects, cyber defence advances, and next-gen security tech - each requiring a pipeline of specialist skills.

To better understand the on-the-ground implications, we sat down with Neil Thumwood, a senior leader at Amentum with over 20 years of experience across the MOD, nuclear infrastructure, and submarine programmes. Now spearheading AUKUS-related efforts in Australia, Neil shared powerful insights into how this partnership is evolving - and what it means for the UK workforce.

AUKUS in Action: A Career-Spanning Perspective

Neil Thumwood joined Amentum two years ago to support core defence growth in the UK after an extensive career in the Ministry of Defence, including 15 years in the submarine programme. His deep involvement has ranged from nuclear fuel transport to reactor core manufacturing, submarine infrastructure at Devonport, and now, leading AUKUS-related nuclear efforts in Australia.

“We’ve (Amentum International) gone from 700 to 7,000 people post-merger, and now I’m heading to Australia to help build a sovereign nuclear capability. The opportunity is incredible, but it will take deep collaboration across the UK, US, and Australian skill bases,” Neil explains.

The UK’s Moment: Investment, Skills & Regional Growth

As AUKUS progresses and Australia begins to build its nuclear capabilities from the ground up, the initial stages will heavily rely on the UK’s and US’s existing expertise. That means experienced nuclear professionals will need to be deployed overseas, often on temporary rotations or long-term assignments.

“From a UK perspective, it’s a prosperity win and a skills boost,” says Neil. “We’re not just building for Australia - we’re enhancing our own industrial resilience. But there’s a risk: the talent draw toward Australia could challenge UK delivery unless we scale sustainably.”

“Winning nuclear work in Australia means moving skilled people from the UK, but we also need to make sure we’re growing talent at home to fill those gaps.”

This is where regional hubs like Cumbria play a critical role. With established defence ecosystems, training pipelines, and technical infrastructure, these areas can act as "technical anchors" - developing and replenishing the talent that supports both domestic programmes and international projects like AUKUS.

Skills in High Demand: Nuclear, Safety, Infrastructure

Delivering on AUKUS means recruiting talent across several critical disciplines—roles that are not only highly specialised but also pivotal to the programme’s success. Among the most in-demand are Nuclear Infrastructure Designers, particularly those with experience in maritime environments where the complexity of building and maintaining waterfront nuclear facilities presents unique engineering challenges. Equally vital are Safety Case Engineers, whose expertise ensures that all nuclear operations meet stringent regulatory and safety standards—both in the UK and as part of future projects in Australia.

“Having nuclear SQEP—Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel—is absolutely essential,” Neil emphasizes. “We’re not just filling roles; we need individuals with deep technical expertise and the flexibility to operate on a global scale.”

Advice for Early Career Professionals

As part of our work at Westlakes Recruit, we aim to connect the next generation with life-changing opportunities in defence. AUKUS is a compelling reason for young professionals to consider the sector.

“Having worked on both the client and industry sides, I’ve gained a well-rounded perspective,” says Neil. “Right now, there’s a real sense of excitement—mid-career professionals are starting to see tangible opportunities to work in Australia, the US, or contribute to major transformation programmes here in the UK.”

His message to early talent?

“Be technically curious. Get out of your comfort zone, try new things, and build a variety of experiences. Invest in your development—because if you're nuclear skilled, the world is open to you right now, and your biggest assets are your curiosity and adaptability.”

At Westlakes Recruit, we’re committed to supporting that growth. Whether it’s helping clients deliver on AUKUS or guiding professionals into their next mission-critical role, we’re proud to be part of this next-generation defence story.

Ready to Build the Future?

If you're a candidate with nuclear or defence experience, or an employer preparing for AUKUS-scale projects, talk to our team today. We’re already recruiting for roles that shape tomorrow’s security landscape.

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