New apprenticeships offered as Fife shipyard expands operations
New apprentices are to be hired at a Fife shipyard.
Applications to work at the Navantia yard in Methil are now open as part of the company’s drive to add 35 posts in Fife and also at its base in Arnish on the Isle of Lewis.
The announcement was made to mark Scottish Apprenticeship Week. Navantia UK said the new jobs will support the company’s growth in shipbuilding and in supplying energy industries as well as its long-term commitment to building sovereign industrial capabilities in Scotland. It offers both level two and three apprenticeships, with 20 at Methil who can choose to specialise in electrical engineering, fabrication and welding.
The yard will also offer apprenticeships in technical computer aided design.
Mitchell Barrowman, apprenticeship supervisor at Navantia UK, Methil, said: "Apprentices really are the future of the company, I am very excited for the apprentices coming through over the next few years as we build our new training school and change the apprenticeships to give more time in the work environment."
Following its purchase of Harland & Wolff’s assets last year, the Methil yard is building the FSS barge, an £8 investment to transport ship blocks between Appledore and Belfast. Recently, it was awarded a vessel build export contract, for which it will recruit an additional 120 people.
Apprentices also spoke of their work at the yard which has endured a chequered past under former owners.
Finn Kennedy said: “I chose an apprenticeship for the long-term opportunity of a good-paying job. I’ve already developed skills in vertical root welding, and it’s been a good experience so far.“ And Liam Gilchrist added: “I decided to choose an apprenticeship because it allows me to learn in the workplace and work directly towards my goal of becoming a welder. I first heard about Navantia UK through posters at college and then attended an open day, which confirmed it was the perfect place to start my career. My first impression was how friendly and helpful everyone is and I’m really looking forward to gaining my codings and working in the fabrication shops