30 Aug 2005
Scottish Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen today welcomed 70 new apprentices to BAE Systems Naval Ships in Glasgow, whilst announcing a Regional Selective Assistance grant of up to 4.1million in support of an 18.5million investment programme by the company.
The money is to be spent on developing the facilities at the companys Govan and Scotstoun sites to improve the longer term competitive position of the yards across a range of naval work, creating 401 new jobs and safeguarding 205 existing jobs over the next 18 months. These will be in a range of production and support related activities.
The investment will allow extensive upgrading and modernisation of the docks and deep water berth facility, as well as the construction of additional office and training accommodation. Prior to this announcement, BAE Systems had invested in excess of 30m in the business since it took over the yards in 1999.
The new apprentices take the total number to have joined the BAE Systems Modern Apprenticeship Scheme over the last three years to 280. They will spend three years gaining vocational training both on site at BAE Systems Scotstoun and Govan yards and at Anniesland College.
Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen said: "BAE Systems Glasgow yards have a tradition of excellence in marine engineering.
"I welcome the companys commitment to the future of the yards and to their workforce. I am very pleased that the Executive can play a part in helping to grow the business, through our Regional Selective Assistance scheme.
"I am also delighted to hear of the continued success of BAE Systems Modern Apprenticeship Scheme. By investing in the future of its workforce, BAE Systems is helping to deliver the skills needed for Scotlands economic success.
Vic Emery, Managing Director of BAE Systems Naval Ships, said: These young people who join us today represent the future of naval shipbuilding in this country. They will learn their trades on the Type 45 Destroyers and hopefully go on to build the new aircraft carriers and the next generation of warships. They will play a vital role in providing the Royal Navy with the outstanding ships they require to provide a safeguard for the UK's interests worldwide.
We will continue to invest to further strengthen that future and I am delighted that the Scottish Executive has been able to help us so significantly by the award of this grant.
This latest group of apprentices are aged from 16 to 21, and the majority are from Glasgow and the west of Scotland. They will train as electricians, engineers and plumbers/pipefitters.
Lee McKellar, 17, from Warwickshire, who will train as an engineer, said: Im originally from Glasgow and wanted to come back to work here. Both my Dad and my uncle worked in the shipyards. I wanted to work with my hands and know that BAE Systems is a well-established company with a good training course. This is a great opportunity for me.
Keighley Bainbridge, 18, from Clydebank, also joining as an engineering apprentice, said: I want to be part of a solid team with a stable work environment. I know that BAE Systems has a lot of work ahead and hearing about this investment is really encouraging. There were so many applicants for these positions; I cant believe I actually got it. Im really pleased and excited.
About BAE SYSTEMS
BAE Systems is an international company engaged in the development, delivery, and support of advanced defence and aerospace systems in the air, on land, at sea, and in space. The company designs, manufactures, and supports military aircraft, combat vehicles, surface ships, submarines, radar, avionics, communications, electronics, and guided weapon systems. It is a pioneer in technology with a heritage stretching back hundreds of years and is at the forefront of innovation, working to develop the next generation of intelligent defence systems. BAE Systems has major operations across five continents and customers in some 130 countries. The company employs over 90,000 people and generates annual sales of approximately 14.8 billion through its wholly owned and joint-venture operations.
For further information, please contact:
Charles Thompson, Head of Communications, BAE Systems Naval Ships
Tel: +1 (0) 141 957 4449 Mobile: +1 (0) 7736 810933
