WORK is underway on the build of the new £12 million Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow.
BAE Systems said the academy will accelerate the modernisation of Glasgow’s historic shipbuilding industry – with it upskilling the existing workforce and attracting new talent to secure the sector’s future for ‘generations to come’.
The project will see a historic industrial building at the site retrofitted to become the Modern Trade Hall, which will be dedicated to each shipbuilding trade, ship-realistic mock up environments, and research and technology facilities. Immediately adjacent will be a Flexible Learning Hub, containing more than 30 classrooms, a STEM innovation lab, and office facilities.
On completion in the second half of 2024, the Shipbuilding Academy will provide bespoke training for almost 4,500 employees, including nearly 700 apprentices. The new facilities will also enable a ‘substantial’ expansion of the early careers programmes at BAE Systems, doubling the intake in Glasgow to more than 200 new apprentices each year.
The academy in Glasgow is the third dedicated training facility which BAE Systems has created, following similar investments in Samlesbury and Barrow-in-Furness in the north west of England. Together, the facilities support the training and development of BAE Systems’ near 40,000 strong workforce across the UK.
Work is also underway on the construction of a modern shipbuilding hall in Govan, forming part of the £300 million investment in the two sites in Glasgow over the next five years. The firm recently announced it is recruiting almost 300 apprentices and graduates to join its naval ships business in Glasgow in 2024.
BAE Systems said the investment will ‘greatly enhance’ productivity of the shipyards to support the delivery of the eight Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy and potential future orders.
Paul Feely, academy and engineering director at BAE Systems’ naval ships business, said, “This new training facility is an exciting demonstration of our commitment to shipbuilding on the Clyde, allowing us to further support thousands of highly skilled jobs in Scotland. Our investment in Glasgow will help us to deliver the national endeavour that is the Type 26 programme and ensure that we can provide navies around the world with a competitive edge in the decades to come.”
Rex Cox, chief executive officer at the National Shipbuilding Office, added, “Our work with the UK Shipbuilding Skills Task Force identified the urgent need to invest in shipbuilding skills. At the National Shipbuilding Office, we are heartened to see such tangible action being taken in response to our collective call for upskilling the industry and we look forward to the positive impact this academy will have on our national shipbuilding capabilities.”
