A new £12 million state-of-the-art training facility has opened in Glasgow to ensure Scottish shipbuilding has a thriving workforce for generations to come. The Applied Shipbuilding Academy at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard measures 5,500 and is designed to develop the entire workforce, from new starters to senior leaders. The Academy will be a key training facility for all the apprentices and graduates in the Company’s Naval Ships business as well as provide life-long learning and skills development activities for around 4,500 employees.

The Academy comprises a Modern Trade Hall and a Flexible Learning Hub. The Hall offers a high quality, hands-on training environment where learners are fully immersed in realistic ship mock-ups. The adjacent Hub houses over 30 teaching spaces, a cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) innovation lab, an exhibition area and conference space.

The investment will help ensure that current and future employees can reach their full potential in priority areas for the shipbuilding and maritime industry.

Paul Feely, Academy and Engineering Director, BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: “The Applied Shipbuilding Academy is an extraordinary innovation centre that will enable outstanding learning across our entire workforce and help secure a strong future talent pipeline.

“Investing in our people and harnessing the latest technological advancements is fundamental to our mission, enabling us to deliver on the national endeavour that is the Type 26 programme and future projects. This commitment ensures that we can equip navies worldwide with a decisive competitive edge for generations to come.”

Rod Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, National Shipbuilding Office, said: “The BAE Systems Applied Shipbuilding Academy is a fantastic enduring commitment which will develop a pipeline of skilled workers fit for the future. I look forward to the contribution the Academy will make to creating a highly skilled workforce and our national shipbuilding capabilities. It is excellent to see the vision become a reality.”

Following similar investments in both Samlesbury and Barrow-in-Furness in the North West of England, the Academy in Glasgow is BAE Systems’ third dedicated training facility. These facilities use the knowledge and experience of the Company’s training staff to provide a bespoke modern learning environment for BAE Systems’ near 40,000 strong workforce across the UK.

Construction of the Janet Harvey Hall, a cutting-edge new shipbuilding facility in Govan, is also well under way. The new facilities, together with a range of additional investments in technologies and equipment, form an overall £300m investment in BAE Systems’ two shipbuilding sites in Glasgow over the next five years.

These investments are key elements in the modernisation and digitalisation of both the Govan and Scotstoun yards, supporting the delivery of the eight Type 26 frigates ordered by the Royal Navy, as well as potential future orders.

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