diff --git a/Jenkinsfile b/Jenkinsfile
index 0fcd6d3..e06ad4b 100644
--- a/Jenkinsfile
+++ b/Jenkinsfile
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
             stage('Prepare environment') {
                 echo 'Creating maven cache ...'
                 sh 'mkdir -p ${WORKSPACE}/.m2'
+                sh 'git submodule init'
                 sh 'git submodule update --remote --merge --recursive'
                 echo 'Building docker image for test environment ...'
                 environmentDockerImage = docker.build('brooklyn:${DOCKER_TAG}')