Navantia UK to hire 35 apprentices in Scotland

Navantia UK has announced plans to recruit 35 apprentices across its Scottish facilities in Methil and Arnish, the company stated.

Applications opened recently via the company’s website, with 20 roles available at Methil in Fife and 15 at the Arnish yard on the Isle of Lewis. The intake forms part of a wider commitment to recruit 500 apprentices across the UK by 2030, first outlined during National Apprenticeship Week in February.

Navantia UK offers Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships. At both Scottish sites, apprentices will be able to specialise in electrical engineering, fabrication and welding, while Methil will also offer roles in technical computer aided design. The company was named among the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers last year.

Albert Allan, General Manager at Navantia UK Arnish, said: “Apprentices play a crucial role in the company growth. As we continue to invest, upgrade our facilities and win new projects, Arnish has become the employer of choice on the Isle of Lewis. Our next cohort of apprentices will have a chance to receive best-in-class training and part of energy projects that make a significant impact on regional economies.”

Mitchell Barrowman, apprenticeship supervisor at Navantia UK Methil, said: “Here at Navantia UK Apprentices really are the future of the company, I am very excited for the apprentices coming through over the next few years as we build our new training school and change the apprenticeships to give more time in the work environment.”

The recruitment drive follows Navantia UK’s acquisition of Harland & Wolff’s assets last year and forms part of a broader investment programme across its UK operations. Methil is currently constructing the FSS barge, described by the company as an £8 million strategic investment to transport ship blocks between Appledore and Belfast for the Fleet Solid Support programme. The yard was also recently awarded an export vessel build contract and is recruiting an additional 120 personnel in connection with that work, according to the company.

Arnish, which employs around 150 people, fabricates components for the oil and gas and offshore wind sectors and is delivering two international contracts. The site is undergoing upgrades including new welfare and office facilities, new equipment and preparation for a skills centre, the company stated.

Navantia UK holds a £1.6 billion contract to build three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The company is investing £115 million across its UK yards as work on the ships progresses, with an additional £12 million recently announced for Methil.

Current apprentices also highlighted their experiences. Finn Kennedy at Methil said: “I chose an apprenticeship for the long-term opportunity of a good-paying job. I’ve already developed skills in vertical root welding, and it’s been a good experience so far.”

Liam Campbell at Arnish added: “I chose this apprenticeship as my grandfather and father both worked at Arnish in the 80s and 90s, and I’ve always preferred practical work. It’s great working alongside experienced time served welders and platers, who’ve helped me develop my practical skills and industry knowledge. I’ve passed all my welding tests up to 6G pipe coding, and I’m now in the final year of my apprenticeship. Navantia UK have given me the opportunity to stay on the island, learn a skilled trade, and secure long-term employment.”

Lana Gilchrist, also at Methil, said: “I decided to choose an apprenticeship because it allows me to learn in the workplace and work directly towards my goal of becoming a welder. I first heard about Navantia UK through posters at college and then attended an open day, which confirmed it was the perfect place to start my career. My first impression was how friendly and helpful everyone is and I’m really looking forward to gaining my codings and working in the fabrication shops.”