Glasgow’s New £12m Shipbuilding Academy to Shape the Future of Maritime Engineering

Glasgow’s New £12m Shipbuilding Academy to Shape the Future of Maritime Engineering

(IN BRIEF) A new £12 million Applied Shipbuilding Academy has opened in Glasgow, designed to train and develop the next generation of shipbuilders. Located at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard, the facility will provide hands-on training and lifelong learning opportunities for the company’s 4,500 employees. The academy is part of a broader £300 million investment in BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards, supporting the delivery of Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy. Industry leaders have praised the initiative as a significant boost to the UK’s shipbuilding capabilities.

(PRESS RELEASE) FARNBOROUGH, 19-Aug-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A groundbreaking £12 million shipbuilding academy has officially opened its doors in Glasgow, signaling a major boost to Scotland’s maritime industry. The Applied Shipbuilding Academy, located at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun shipyard, is a state-of-the-art facility designed to train and develop the next generation of shipbuilders, ensuring the region remains a global leader in naval shipbuilding for years to come.

Spanning 5,500 square meters, the academy is equipped to cater to a diverse range of learners—from apprentices and graduates to seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their skills. It is expected to serve as a cornerstone of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships division, providing comprehensive training and lifelong learning opportunities for the company’s 4,500 employees.

A Cutting-Edge Training Environment

The academy boasts two main components: a Modern Trade Hall and a Flexible Learning Hub. The Modern Trade Hall is designed to offer immersive, hands-on training, complete with realistic ship mock-ups that allow trainees to experience the complexities of shipbuilding in a controlled environment. The Flexible Learning Hub complements this with over 30 teaching spaces, a STEM innovation lab, and conference facilities, creating a versatile space for both technical and leadership development.

This investment aligns with BAE Systems’ broader strategy to modernize and digitalize its shipbuilding capabilities, particularly as the company gears up to deliver the eight Type 26 frigates ordered by the Royal Navy. The Applied Shipbuilding Academy is part of a larger £300 million investment in BAE Systems’ Glasgow shipyards, which includes the ongoing construction of the Janet Harvey Hall at the Govan site.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative

Industry leaders and government officials have hailed the opening of the academy as a significant step forward for the UK’s shipbuilding industry. Rod Paterson, CEO of the National Shipbuilding Office, commented, “The BAE Systems Applied Shipbuilding Academy represents a long-term commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce that will sustain our national shipbuilding capabilities. This facility is a testament to the vision and dedication of all those involved in bringing it to life.”

Paul Feely, Academy and Engineering Director at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships, added, “This academy is more than just a training center; it’s a hub of innovation and excellence. By investing in our people and harnessing the latest technologies, we are ensuring that our workforce is equipped to meet the challenges of modern shipbuilding and contribute to the success of national projects like the Type 26 programme.”

A Broader Commitment to Innovation

The opening of the Glasgow academy follows similar investments by BAE Systems in other parts of the UK, including new training facilities in Samlesbury and Barrow-in-Furness. These initiatives are part of the company’s ongoing effort to modernize its operations and ensure that it remains at the forefront of global shipbuilding.

As the maritime industry continues to evolve, the Applied Shipbuilding Academy in Glasgow stands as a beacon of progress, providing the skills and knowledge necessary to build the ships of the future.

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SOURCE: BAE Systems