Babcock has opened a Skills Centre at Devonport Dockyard able to support fifteen hundred technical staff and apprentices a year, and has broken ground on an Integrated Logistics Hub at Sherford that will pull together more than thirty separate logistics sites, according to the company.
Luke Pollard, the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry and the member for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, formally opened the Skills Centre, which brings practical training onto the waterfront alongside the work it supports.
The logistics hub at Sherford falls within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, on an eighteen point eight acre site with room for a thirty thousand square metre facility. Babcock said it will increase operational capacity and resilience for submarine sustainment and deep maintenance at Devonport, supporting the dual-streaming of Astute class submarines and the transition to Dreadnought.
Pollard said: “Plymouth has always been at the heart of our national defence, and investments like this show how working with industry partners like Babcock can deliver both the skills our Armed Forces need, and the opportunities and growth this community deserves.
“The new Skills Centre will support those already in defence to learn new skills and grow their career and create new pathways for those entering defence for the first time, giving local people the chance to build a career they can be proud of.”
Neal Misell, chief executive of Babcock Nuclear, said: “Today demonstrates our long-term commitment to Plymouth and the wider region, developing the skills, capability and infrastructure needed to bolster the UK’s national defence resilience, while creating opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for future generations. Concluding the day at the new Babcock Capability Centre here in Plymouth city centre was a great chance to share our upcoming plans for the facility with regional partners which will see us relocate around 2000 colleagues into the heart of the city, bringing economic benefits and opportunities as we support the retention and creation of high value jobs into the future.”
Richard May, chief executive of the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, said: “This is the Freeport doing what it does best – unlocking opportunities and turning plans into real investment. We’re delighted to be working with Babcock to bring this exciting project forward and build on the momentum we’ve created together. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved – and a great example of the defence dividend delivering real benefits for Plymouth and South Devon.”
Councillor Dan Thomas, leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This investment is part of the bigger picture for the South Hams. We promised to support a thriving local economy, create opportunities for good-quality jobs and build strong, resilient communities. By investing carefully and working with our partners, we are turning those promises into practical action that will benefit residents and businesses now and in the future.”
