Navantia UK has set a goal of recruiting 500 apprentices by 2030 as it expands its shipbuilding and engineering footprint across the United Kingdom, following its acquisition of Harland & Wolff’s assets.
The announcement was made on the first day of National Apprenticeship Week, with the company saying applications will open shortly for 90 apprenticeship places to be filled in 2026. Roles will be spread across Navantia UK’s sites in Appledore, Arnish, Belfast and Methil, with opportunities ranging from welding and pipe fitting to computer aided design and administrative support.
Of the 90 apprentices expected to be hired in 2026, the company said around 35 are likely to be based at Harland & Wolff Belfast, 20 at Appledore in Devon, 20 at Methil in Fife and 15 at Arnish on the Isle of Lewis.
Navantia UK said it is offering both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeship pathways, and that existing apprentices are already working in a range of industrial trades and technical roles supporting the company’s shipbuilding and offshore energy activities.
The recruitment drive comes as the company continues work on its £1.6 billion contract to build three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, a programme intended to deliver new vessels capable of supplying Royal Navy warships at sea. Alongside the FSS build, Navantia UK is also involved in commercial shipbuilding, ship repair and offshore energy supply chain work.
The company is also undertaking a £115 million investment programme across its UK yards, including installation of new robotic plasma cutting systems, new lifting cranes, refurbishment and expansion of facilities, and automated quality control processes.
Navantia UK said first steel was cut for the FSS programme at Appledore in December, while an £8 million barge is currently being constructed at Methil to transport ship blocks between England and Northern Ireland.
Helen McTockell, Apprenticeship and Training Manager at Navantia UK, said: “Since our acquisition of Harland & Wolff, we’ve made apprenticeships a top priority. Navantia UK is establishing itself as a new force in British industry and to do that, we’re looking for the very best of talent across the country.”
She added: “Apprentices can look forward to embarking on promising careers in highly skilled roles, with support and backing from qualified instructors. We’re proud to be one of the UK’s top apprenticeship employers and this year, we’ll be taking our recruitment to a new level.”
