Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Babcock hires 200 apprentices and graduates
DEFENCE giant Babcock International has recruited more than 200 new apprentices and graduates to its Devonport operations in Plymouth.
The 141 apprentices and 80 graduates will support a variety of projects and business areas, according to the the company, from life extension programmes on frigates and submarines to advanced manufacturing and technology innovation projects carried out on site.
The apprentice roles include welders; fabricators and pipe workers; electrical fitters and mechanical fitters; and computer numerical control machinists. The graduates include mechanical, electrical, process and civil engineers; naval architects; and project managers.
Paul Watson, Babcock’s managing director for Devonport operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome so many new apprentices and graduates. There are many opportunities for them to learn, grow and develop as they start their career journey across many different trades and disciplines.”
Babcock’s Devonport Royal Dockyard facility is co-located with HM Naval Base Devonport to form the largest naval support site in
Western Europe. The company works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to provide support for submarines, surface ships and associated systems and equipment.
On Tuesday Babcock renewed its military flying training contract with the Royal Air Force. The company said the four-year agreement would provide the MoD with a “cost-effective way” to operate flying training. The deal will see the company support the training of front-line aircrew, university air squadron cadets and air experience flying for the RAF Air Cadets.