Shipyard firm, Navantia UK has set a target of hiring 500 apprentices by 2030 to support the business’s expansion in shipbuilding, engineering and in supplying the offshore energy industry.
Following last year's purchase of Harland & Wolff’s assets, Navantia UK is investing in building a new generation of industrial skills in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
A target of 500 apprentices by 2030 is being announced on the first day of National Apprenticeships Week. The company was named by the Sunday Times last year as one of the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.
Navantia UK offers both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships. Of the 90 apprentices to be hired in 2026, 35 are likely to be at Harland & Wolff Belfast; 20 at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in Devon; 20 at Methil in Fife, and 15 at Arnish on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides.
A variety of roles will be on offer. Existing apprentices are involved in pipe fitting, welding, computer aided design and a range of other skilled careers.
Navantia UK has a £1.6 billion contract to build three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA), which will deliver vital supplies to Royal Navy warships at sea. Other activities include building commercial vessels, ship repair and supplying the offshore energy industry.
Investing in apprenticeship training is key to Navantia UK’s strategy as it expands operations and modernises facilities.
A £115 million investment programme is underway across Navantia UK’s yards as work begins on the three FSS ships. Work includes installation of new robotic plasma cutting systems, lifting cranes, refurbishment and expansion of buildings, and automated quality control processes.
The first steel was cut for the FSS programme at Appledore in December and an £8 million barge is under construction in Methil to transport blocks between the North Devon shipyard and Belfast.
Helen McTockell, Apprenticeship and Training Manager at Navantia UK, said: “Since our acquisition of Harland & Wolff, we’ve made apprenticeships a top priority. Navantia UK is establishing itself as a new force in British industry, and to do that, we’re looking for the very best of talent across the country.
“Apprentices can look forward to embarking on promising careers in highly skilled roles, with support and backing from qualified instructors. We’re proud to be one of the UK’s top apprenticeship employers, and this year, we’ll be taking our recruitment to a new level.”
