Clyde built apprentices steering Scotland’s shipbuilding evolution
A Glasgow engineering giant’s multi-million investment will make a lasting impact on Scotland’s apprenticeship landscape.
Over the next five years, nearly 1,000 apprentices will join BAE Systems to power the construction of eight Type 26 frigates. They’ll not only bolster Scotland’s economy but play a vital role in safeguarding national security.
With a skills shortage in the UK shipbuilding industry, Phil Brown, Head of Early Careers at BAE Systems, says apprentices will secure the industry’s future.
Phil said: “Apprentices are invaluable – without them, we can’t build the ships that support the nation’s security in what is a challenging climate.
“Apprentices are crucial to the city’s shipbuilding heritage, continuing the craft of building naval ships on the banks of the River Clyde.”
To meet demand, BAE Systems will hire over 850 apprentices, all guaranteed a permanent role upon completion.
Apprentices hone their skills in new state-of-the-art facilities designed to keep them at the forefront of training and technology.
The £12 million Applied Shipbuilding Academy – a digital shipyard for the future – offers a realistic training environment featuring augmented reality. The adjacent Hub houses over 30 teaching spaces, including a STEM innovation lab.
Phil said: “Through our hybrid model, college lecturers are on site, and we’ve developed an in-house, eight-week placement and qualification for craft apprentices that focuses on shipbuilding skills specific to our practices. It enables us to collaborate with partners to deliver an improved curriculum and meet the future needs of the business.”
Another gamechanger is the £200 million Janet Harvey Hall, enabling two frigates to be constructed side-by-side and under cover.
Since introducing apprenticeships in 1999, BAE Systems has become a leader in early careers development, ranked sixth in the UK’s Top Apprenticeship Employers in 2024.
With 4,000 employees in Glasgow, 12 Foundation Apprentices, 500 Modern Apprentices and 100 Graduate Apprentices work across ten trade areas, including design and systems engineering, project management and supply chain.
BAE Systems’ gold standard training model offers substantial support beyond the apprenticeship framework. It includes a week-long team building residential with The Outward Bound Trust, access to a wellbeing coordinator, and each apprentice is appointed a development coach.
John Burnett, Early Careers Manager, said: “We don’t just build the ships; we build the apprentices who build the ships.”
Apprentice retention stands at 94% three years post-completion with scope to progress – managing directors of the firm started as apprentices.
Committed to attracting a more diverse workforce, BAE Systems’ apprenticeships see a higher percentage of women and individuals with disabilities applying, while 27% of apprentices are from the top three areas of social deprivation.
Recognising the need for earlier STEM intervention, the firm engaged with over 16,000 school pupils in 2024.
A collaboration with stakeholders created the first National Progression Award (NPA) in Shipbuilding, a pre-apprenticeship pathway for senior pupils.
John explained: “Now in its third year, it’s for learners that might not have the entry qualifications – but we’ll provide them. We’ve had 50 learners explore shipbuilding through the programme.”
Over 12,000 employers support Scottish Apprenticeships, which are work-based learning opportunities or jobs with industry-recognised qualifications.
Scottish Apprenticeships are made for business, developed with employers to ensure they are demand-led and responsive to workforce skills needs.
On being a finalist in the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, Jessica Dradge, Education Services Lead, said: “We’re delighted to be shortlisted. It acknowledges where the shipbuilding industry is moving and recognises the exciting journeys our apprentices are taking.”
The winner of the Large Employer of the Year category will be revealed at the Scottish Apprenticeship Awards, which takes place on 27 February in the run-up to Scottish Apprenticeship Week (3 to 7 March).
Find out more about the award finalists and the event by visiting apprenticeships.scot.