Construction has begun on a new Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard on the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow. The academy, which will comprise of a ‘Modern Trade Hall’ and a ‘Flexible Learning Hub’, will support the development of the entire workforce, from apprentices to senior leaders, and forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment ‘to develop future talent’.

BAE Systems says the academy will accelerate the modernisation of Glasgow’s historic shipbuilding industry, upskilling the existing workforce while attracting new talent to secure its future for generations to come. “A historic industrial building will be retrofitted to become the Modern Trade Hall, with areas 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, alongside office facilities.

“Due to be completed in the second half of 2024, the aAcademy will provide bespoke training for almost 4,500 employees, including nearly 700 apprentices. Moreover, these new facilities will also enable a substantial expansion of the successful early careers programmes at BAE Systems, doubling the intake in Glasgow to more than 200 new apprentices each year.”

Paul Feely, the academy and engineering director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, added: “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, CEO of the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO — it oversees all the Government’s interests in UK shipbuilding, supports growth in the sector, and works with industry to improve productivity and competitiveness), said: “Our work with the UK Shipbuilding Skills Task Force identified the urgent need to invest in shipbuilding skills. At the NSO, 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.”

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. Together, the facilities support the training and development of BAE Systems’ near 40,000-strong workforce throughout the UK.”

Construction of a modern shipbuilding hall in Govan is also underway; and together with a range of additional investments in technologies and equipment, it forms part of an overall £300 million investment in the two sites in Glasgow over the next five years — investments that will greatly enhance productivity of the shipyards to support the delivery of eight Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy and potential future orders.