Login
iscover
Global shipbuilder and sustainment provider Babcock has pledged to create 1,000 new jobs at their Rosyth shipyard to support the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate design and build program.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The jobs will be split across trainees and skilled workers to provide long-term shipbuilding capabilities at the site, with the workforce projected to grow with 400 new apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives (PSOs) as well as skilled engineers, tradespeople, and graduates.
Babcock’s production support operative scheme attracts individuals with a range of different backgrounds to support skilled tradespeople.
Speaking to Defence Connect recently, Babcock spokespeople explained that PSO candidates are first assessed on characteristics such as attitude and teamwork rather than qualifications, broadening the company’s potential talent pool.
They also said that an initiative like this could be easily replicated in Australia to support the critical upskilling required for continuous shipbuilding and AUKUS.
The global shipbuilder provides training and certifications to successful candidates, upskilling and enabling them to work with qualified tradespeople on shipbuilding and decommissioning programs.
The mix of skills gained from the ongoing training also facilitates the rapid deployment of PSOs to plug capability gaps in priority projects as they arise.
The jobs program is not only vital to Defence but also to shipbuilding communities in the United Kingdom, Babcock International chief executive David Lockwood said.
“Attracting and retaining talent is essential to the future success of our business and directly benefits the local communities in which we operate.
“Continued investment in Babcock’s development programs and facilities enables our apprentices, graduates, and trainees to experience a mix of on-the-job learning in a modern, digitally led industrial environment, alongside academic training with further education partners and our own Babcock Skills Academy.
“This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week; our apprentices play a really important role in our workforces across the UK, ensuring we can sustain the technical skills needed to continue to deliver critical national defence programs.”
Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge applauded the announcement.
“Rosyth is at the heart of major UK defence and commercial programs, and it was a privilege to meet skilled workers and apprentices there last week.
“A career with Babcock can provide these unique opportunities and skilled technical training, whilst making a huge contribution to the Scottish economy.”
