Appledore Shipyard to get 20 new apprenticeships this autumn

Appledore Shipyard will take on 20 new apprentices this autumn who will have the opportunity to work on a major £1.6billion contract supporting the Royal Navy.

Navantia UK, which recently bought the yard’s previous owner Harland & Wolff, has launched the apprenticeships for the Torridgeside yard, whose successful candidates will work on the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) programme to support the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group.

The 20 apprenticeships in North Devon will be in metal fabrication, delivered in partnership with Petroc College. The new posts, along with 35 in Belfast in metal fabrication and welding, bring the total number of UK FSS apprenticeships to 153.

The £1.6bn contract will see around £100million investment into UK shipyards, including £77m on infrastructure and £21m on skills, knowledge and technology transfer.

Appledore Shipyard was acquired by the Spanish state-owned defence contractor Navantia in January as part of its deal to buy all four Harland and Wolff yards following the British shipbuilder's collapse in 2024.

The FSS programme – procured and managed by the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) – will result in prime contractor Navantia UK building three ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, with integration and delivery taking place in Northern Ireland and Devon. 

An essential supporting element to the Royal Navy Carrier Strike Group, the ships will deliver crucial munitions, supplies and provisions to the Royal Navy while at sea.

They will be central to logistical and operational support, including counter-piracy and counter-terrorism missions and will collaborate with allies on operations around the world.  

Alex du Pré, FSS Project Leader at DE&S, said: “We are pleased to see this investment into FSS apprenticeships helping to inspire the next generation of skilled workers in Navantia UK’s shipbuilding journey.

“Apprentices working on the build of these vessels can take pride in knowing that they will be part of a critical programme that will strengthen our national security and the Royal Navy's global presence.”

Katherine Thorn, Head of Talent and Culture at Navantia UK, said: “This apprenticeship programme represents our commitment to developing local talent and ensuring the future of shipbuilding in Belfast and Appledore.

“These future colleagues will be working on projects of national significance, contributing directly to the UK's defence capabilities.”  

The apprenticeships at Appledore and the other yards will commence from August/September this year. Applications are now closed.