The Scottish Government has announced funding of £9.22 million to support BAE Systems’ Applied Shipbuilding Academy, creating up to 300 new jobs and helping to secure over a thousand more at shipyards on the Clyde.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes confirmed the award during a visit to BAE Systems’ training facility in Glasgow, describing it as a transformative investment for Scotland’s maritime sector.
“BAE Systems’ investment, supported by Scottish Enterprise, will radically transform shipbuilding on the Clyde – bringing state-of-the-art, globally competitive training and skills facilities, creating up to 300 new jobs and contributing wider economic benefits to Scotland,” she said.
“Projects like this will shape Scotland’s future workforce, developing the next generation of skilled professionals and supporting high-quality apprenticeship programmes. I am confident that this funding will help to secure the future of shipbuilding on the Clyde.”
The funding is part of a broader £300 million modernisation effort by BAE Systems, which includes a new shipbuilding facility and the integration of advanced manufacturing technologies to increase productivity across its Glasgow shipyards.
Simon Lister, Managing Director of BAE Systems Naval Ships, welcomed the support.
“We welcome the additional funding from Scottish Enterprise that will help secure shipbuilding in Glasgow for generations to come,” he said.
“The funding supports our ambition to attract and retain the workforce of the future, providing people with the necessary skills to work in a highly specialised industry. This will also provide ongoing value and significant contribution to the Scottish economy.”
Adrian Gillespie, Chief Executive of Scottish Enterprise, emphasised the strategic importance of the project.
“This significant strategic capital investment by BAE Systems in cutting-edge technologies and its commitment to helping upskill the shipbuilding industry and the broader maritime sector is exactly the kind of ambitious, transformative project we want to support through our mission-based approach to growing and strengthening Scotland’s economy.”
“Not only will the project create hundreds of highly skilled jobs and protect many more, but it will also establish some of the most advanced and productive manufacturing facilities in the UK, helping to reduce the time it takes to build ships on the Clyde and open the door to global export opportunities.”
Scottish Enterprise has supported BAE Systems’ Govan and Scotstoun shipyards for more than a decade. The new funding includes a £7.4 million Research and Development grant and a £1.8 million Training Aid grant, aimed at both enhancing skills and delivering a collaborative training environment through the Applied Shipbuilding Academy.
The Academy works with schools, colleges, universities, suppliers and local authorities across Scotland. It also partners with the National Manufacturing Institute for Scotland and the Clyde Maritime Industry Forum to share expertise in advanced manufacturing.
BAE Systems estimates the project could contribute £255 million to the economy over five years and as much as £1.1 billion over a decade. The Academy in Glasgow is one of three dedicated training facilities operated by BAE Systems in the UK.
The very worst thing you could do is get the Scottish government involved in anything.
Further great news and another shot in the arm for the Shipbuilding industry, lets hope all this money and training are put to good use for the future.
“A ship called Destiny”.
Good to see SNP recognising its key industries.
….on the back of rejecting an investment in the Rolls Royce skills centre initiative recently….
Ho hum..
Exactly, “we’re doomed”… 🙂
Cheers CR
…and ordering ferries from Poland and Turkey.
… but, Mairi Gougeon said “When we have principles, we stick to them.”
Mear drops in the ocean of what is needed. Of course getting the MOD to ensure there are Ship orders on a continues basis to keep the yards working. Get new hulls rather than refit and sell on to third party navies. All good for the economy and possible future sales and our DEFENCE.
SNP as we will see with next years election is a spent force as there are so many just fed up with the idiots who don’r even know which end of a pencil is sharp. Change coming.