Navantia UK has taken on 73 new apprentices throughout its websites in Appledore, Arnish, Belfast and Methil, marking the fifth anniversary of its apprenticeship programme and increasing its funding in Britain’s shipbuilding workforce.
In keeping with Navantia UK, the brand new recruits will prepare in trades comparable to welding, fabrication and pipe becoming whereas incomes nationwide {qualifications}. Many will contribute to the Royal Navy’s Fleet Strong Help (FSS) programme, one of many UK’s largest naval shipbuilding tasks and a key factor of efforts to strengthen sovereign industrial functionality.
The corporate now employs 222 apprentices throughout the UK, representing a couple of fifth of its workforce, and plans to create one other 500 apprenticeship roles within the coming years. Navantia UK mentioned this growth will lengthen past conventional shipyard expertise to incorporate enterprise disciplines comparable to mission administration and finance, reflecting the broader wants of recent engineering and manufacturing.
Helen McTokell, the corporate’s apprenticeship and coaching supervisor, mentioned the initiative is about growing “a various, sustainable workforce that may ship advanced tasks just like the Fleet Strong Help ships.” She added that every website contributes to constructing the economic energy underpinning the UK’s defence and power sectors.
Navantia UK employs over 1,000 individuals in expert, high-value roles, with a whole lot extra anticipated to affix as work on the FSS programme accelerates. The agency mentioned its coaching schemes are designed to switch information from its world operations to UK amenities, serving to to strengthen provide chains and drive progress from the Outer Hebrides to Devon.
Apprentices participating described the scheme as a gateway to long-term careers. One trainee in Belfast mentioned the corporate “stood out as a well known employer with wonderful alternatives for improvement,” whereas a brand new recruit in Methil mentioned studying via work was one of the simplest ways to realize expertise and confidence within the commerce.
Earlier this 12 months, Navantia UK was listed amongst The Sunday Occasions’ High 100 apprenticeship employers, recognising its position in growing future expertise throughout the UK shipbuilding business.