Navantia UK is increasing its commitment to recruit apprentices across its British yards from 500 to 750 by 2030, an announcement made as the Scottish Secretary and the defence industry minister visited the company’s yard at Methil in Fife, according to the company.
The apprentices will work on building three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and will be ready to take on further projects for the Ministry of Defence.
Donato Martinez, chief executive of Navantia UK, said: “There is real momentum at Methil. We are investing in the yard, bringing in new work and recruiting more people. We also need to build the skills that will support the yard and our wider business in the years ahead.
“That is why we are increasing our nationwide commitment from 500 apprentices by 2030 to 750. It will give more young people the chance to build skilled careers in our industry and help us develop the workforce we need as the business grows.
“Methil has an important role to play in the future of UK shipbuilding. The investment being made here, the skills in the workforce and the opportunities ahead, including Programme Euston, give us a strong base to keep building from.”
Investment at Methil has reached £26.7 million since Navantia UK acquired the yard in January 2025, including a further £12 million announced this year for training facilities, machinery, infrastructure and new technology. The workforce has grown from 180 to 275 and 75 apprentices are now training at the site, including 21 who arrived this year, part of a company-wide intake of 121 joining 222 already employed across the four British yards at Methil, Arnish, Belfast and Appledore.
Douglas Alexander, the Scottish Secretary, said: “The UK Government worked hard to secure the future of yards such as Methil as part of our commitment to Scotland’s industrial heartlands, and today with Navantia I’ve seen the difference that commitment has made. A busier order book, a growing workforce and a large increase in apprenticeships – this is what’s possible when government and industry work together.
“There are huge opportunities with the defence dividend that come from being part of the United Kingdom. I’m proud that the UK Government’s support for the sector is delivering skilled jobs and growth for communities right across Scotland. This is a new age of industrialisation for the UK, with Scotland at its heart.”
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “Apprentices are at the heart of defence’s industrial base that keeps this country safe. These opportunities pave the way for the next generation, providing essential skills, training and experience while contributing to the security of the UK.”
Programme Euston, referred to by Martinez, is the Ministry of Defence programme for new floating docks at His Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde, and the Chancellor confirmed that those docks will be built and delivered in British shipyards. The GMB union has argued that Methil should get the work.
Not enough and over too long a timeframe. We have a massive shortfall in skilled personnel plus a massive shortfall in capability – both are far more urgent than the government seems to appreciate. The government needs to ensure that the Navantia plan is increased by putting funds into the programme and encouraging other companies to increase their intake as well.