Navantia pledge on extra shipyard jobs as Ministers visit Methil yard
Navantia has increased its target for recruiting apprentices to its UK yards, including Methil in Fife.
It has pledged to take on 750 by the year 2030 - up from its original goal of 500.
It comes less than two years since the Spanish state-owned shipbuilder acquired the assets of Harland & Wolff, including the Methil and Arnish yards in Scotland, Belfast, and Appledore, after the previous owner entered administration.
Since then it has expanded the workforce at the long-established Fife yard which had endured a turbulent history, and given new opportunities to a number of local apprentices who will work on building three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and are ready to take on further projects for the Ministry of Defence.
The announcement came as Douglas Alexander MP, Scottish Secretary and Luke Pollard MP, Defence Minister, visited the Fife yard to see the new facilities and meet the workforce
Since Navantia UK acquired Methil in January 2025, investment in the yard has reached £26.7 million. This includes a further £12 million announced this year for training facilities, modern machinery, infrastructure and new technology. The workforce has also grown from 180 to 275.
During the visit, the Ministers saw its newly completed paint shop, along with other equipment and technology being introduced as part of the investment programme.
The investment is supporting the work under way at Methil and preparing the yard for future programmes, including Programme Euston, the Ministry of Defence programme for new floating docks at HM Naval Base Clyde which the Chancellor has announcement will be built and delivered in UK shipyards.
Mr Alexander hailed the progress at the yard as “a new age of industrialisation for the UK, with Scotland at its heart."
He added: "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.”
The latest order follows the first export contract secured earlier this year and the completion of Navantia UK Seahorse, the barge supporting delivery of the Fleet Solid Support programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
Donato Martinez, chief executive officer of Navantia UK, hailed the “real momentum at Methil” and added: “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.”
Methil currently has 75 apprentices, following the arrival of 21 new employees this year. They are part of a company-wide intake of 121 apprentices in 2026.
Luke Pollard added: “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.”
The transformation of the Fife yard was also welcomed by Richard Baker, MP for Glenrothes and Mid Fife, who joined the Ministers on their tour.
He said: “I can’t believe the change in two years. There has been huge investment in the facility - the future is very positive.
“Since we saved these yards from administration, a lot of work has been done. Huge contracts are not going overseas - they are staying here in the UK, and we hope some will come to Methil, particularly the dry docks for Faslane. Methil is the ideal place to build them.”