Navantia UK is calling the next generation of shipbuilders to Appledore

Navantia UK has announced today, Monday 9 February, it will recruit 20 apprentices at its Appledore shipyard in Devon in 2026, as part of a wider plan to hire 500 apprentices across the UK by 2030.

The company, which acquired Harland & Wolff last year, said the move aims to develop a new generation of industrial skills in shipbuilding, engineering and offshore energy. 

The announcement comes on the first day of National Apprenticeships Week.

Navantia leads the Ships and Submarines business, designing and building state-of-the-art frigates, patrol vessels, and AIP submarines. 

The UK branch is also involved in commercial shipbuilding, ship repair, and supplying the offshore energy industry.

Apprenticeships at Appledore will include roles in welding, pipe fitting, computer aided design and administration. 

The company offers both Level 2 and Level 3 training, with apprentices receiving guidance from qualified instructors.

Helen McTockell, Apprenticeship and Training Manager at Navantia UK, said: “Since our acquisition of Harland & Wolff, we’ve made apprenticeships a top priority. Navantia UK is establishing itself as a new force in British industry and to do that, we’re looking for the very best of talent across the country.

“Apprentices can look forward to embarking on promising careers in highly skilled roles, with support and backing from qualified instructors. We’re proud to be one of the UK’s top apprenticeship employers and this year, we’ll be taking our recruitment to a new level.”

The 20 apprentices at Appledore are part of a wider recruitment programme in 2026 that will see 90 apprentices hired across Navantia UK’s shipyards. 

Of these, 35 are likely to join Harland & Wolff in Belfast, 20 at Methil in Fife, and 15 at Arnish on the Isle of Lewis.

Existing apprentices say the scheme offers practical, hands-on experience. 

Orson Robinson, a fabrication apprentice in Appledore, said: “I enjoy the hands-on approach and problem solving involved in the role, and I’ve gained experience reading complex drawings. I chose an apprenticeship to find a career in something I enjoy, and the experience has been challenging but very rewarding.”

Daniel Rose added: “Every day is different. I chose an apprenticeship because I wanted a long-term career with progression, which Navantia offers, and I’ve found it great so far with plenty to learn and supportive colleagues.”

Shane Ford said: “I chose Appledore because I heard it was a new era down at the shipyard and I’d heard good things about it. My first impression was that the team were very welcoming to everyone of us. I’m looking forward to learning a trade and carrying that into further qualifications in fabrication. I hope to be a key part of the shipyard’s future.”

Navantia UK currently holds a £1.6 billion contract to build three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which will deliver vital supplies to Royal Navy warships at sea. 

The company is also investing £115 million across its UK shipyards to modernise facilities, including installing robotic plasma cutting systems, new lifting cranes, building refurbishments and expansion, and automated quality control processes.

The first steel for the FSS programme was cut at Appledore in December, and an £8 million barge is under construction in Methil to transport ship blocks between England and Northern Ireland.

By expanding its apprenticeship programme across four sites in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, Navantia UK says it is committed to sustaining and growing the UK’s industrial skills base while supporting future shipbuilding and offshore energy projects.