Shipbuilder, Harland & Wolff Group is among the participants in the UK of the National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) which is underway and continues to this Sunday, 11 February.

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the Group had sponsored a Maritime UK roundtable held at their head office in London at Lower Thames Street.

NAW provides an opportunity for the education and skills sector to celebrate the achievements of apprentices around the country and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and the wider economy.

The event yesterday in the UK capital, has helped to celebrate the role that apprenticeships play in developing the skills needed to ensure a competitive and sustainable maritime sector.

The roundtable brought together apprentices from across the sector to share their experiences and included a session with employers, who shared best practice and identified areas for collaboration.

Partners from government also heard directly from maritime employers about how apprenticeship programmes could be better supported by skills delivery bodies.

H&W were especially glad to have welcomed two of their apprentices to take part in the discussion – Ben from Appledore and Victoria from Belfast. Both are apprentice welders and joined Harland & Wolff in September 2023.

The future of the maritime sector is tremendously important to us, and it was wonderful to see so much support for the development and prospects for apprentices who wish to pursue careers within maritime.

Harland & Wolff’s apprenticeship programme was first launched in 2021 and is designed to equip young people leaving school and college with the skills required to forge a rewarding and long-term career in shipbuilding and marine fabrication. Over 150 apprentices have so far taken part in the scheme, with 2024 set to boost those numbers significantly.

Apprenticeship opportunities are available at each of Harland & Wolff’s four manufacturing sites; and in three skill areas – trades, business support and technical. The variety of opportunities on offer aim to provide apprentices with a wide range of transferable skills to navigate the ever-changing maritime industry.

Those joining the scheme could have the opportunity to work on the next generation of Fleet Solid Support ships the company is helping build through to working on green sources of energy such as offshore wind turbine foundations. All with support of skilled tradespeople committed to share their knowledge and skills to future generations of maritime professionals.

Director of Talent, David Honeyman, said, “It’s never been a more exciting time to consider a shipbuilding and engineering apprenticeship with Harland & Wolff. Whether you’re a school or college leaver, our apprenticeships ensure your career gets off to the best possible start. You’ll work alongside and be mentored by experienced colleagues and be encouraged to share your ideas and fresh perspectives. We’ve set course to not only build the finest vessels, but to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive skilled workforce able deliver high standards of performance through trust, creativity and teamwork.”

Matthew Cosby, who joined the scheme in June 2022 said, “I left school not really knowing what I wanted to do next but the opportunity to learn a practical trade and earn money at the same time made me want to apply. Two years later, I’m now training as a Welder and worked on some really interesting projects at the Belfast yard where I’m based.”

The Northern Lighthouse Board, the General Lighthouse Authority (GLA) for Scotland and the Isle of Man, is based in Edinburgh where the headquarters of the GLA is undergoing a major refurbishment.

Located at 84 George Street, the headquarters of the Northern Lighthouse Board has been at this site since 1832, though the NLB has been in existance since 1786.

From this headquarter building in the Scottish capital, the famous Stevenson family of engineers led the world in the advancement of lighthouse technology. That tradition continues today with the NLB team caring for lighthouses, buoys, beacons and radio aids to navigation to protect mariners.

Mike Bullock, Chief Executive of the Northern Lighthouse Board said: “The building is having its ageing electrical systems replaced and we are taking the opportunity to make it greener, with better office and welfare facilities, which will provide working conditions fit for the 21st Century. This will allow us to continue with what we do best – keeping people and the environment safe from harm.”

Northern Lighthouse Board to attend Careers Show, Glasgow

Afloat highlights that the NLB is to attend The National School and College Leavers Show held at the Scottish Exhibition Centre, Glasgow.

The dates for the show are Tuesday 28 March (10:00-14:30) & (15:30-18:00) and Wednesday 29 March 10:00-14:00

About the NLB

The NLB operate and maintain 208 lighthouses and 174 buoys as well as providing radio aids to navigation (AtoN) in the waters of Scotland and the Isle of Man.

This requires the NLB to operate two ships, the NLV Pharos which as Afloat reported last summer made a rare port of call to the Manx capital where the public boarded for an 'Open Day' to explain the work of the GLA. The event was marked by the ship 'dressed overall'. 

The second vessel, NLV Pole Star as Afloat also reported is to be replaced with a newbuild of the same name by 2025.

The current ships carry out buoy work, deliver stores and supplies to lighthouses and inspect navigation aids on oil and gas rigs in the Scottish sector.

We employ a fantastic team of engineers, technicians, retained lighthouse keepers, seafarers and support staff. We also offer Deck Rating and Engineering apprenticeships.

Together our team ensures that our lighthouses, buoys and beacons continue to evolve to meet the changing requirements of the mariner.

Come and meet the team and find out about future career opportunities.

For further information on the Careers show, click HERE.

Shipyard group, Harland & Wolff plc is pleased to announce an apprenticeship scheme that is now open for applications.

Running across all five Harland & Wolff operations (Appledore, Arnish, Belfast, Methil and its London headquarters) the group will be looking to recruit a significant number of apprentices as work ramps up. The next intake of apprentices will arrive on-site in August/September 2022.

Applications will close at 5pm on 6th May 2022.

To apply, prospective employees must complete the application form which can be found here. At this time, CVs will not be considered.

Harland & Wolff would also like to hear from recently qualified apprentices as well as those who are part way through their course or have been unable to complete their apprenticeship through COVID-19/recent loss of employment.

For successful candidates, the next stage will include an on-site assessment day and interview which will take place between May 23^rd and June 3^rd. We ask for candidates to keep dates between this time available. 

In addition H&W are looking for team players who are motivated with good communication and practical skills. Prospective apprentices must also have five GCSEs/Standard Grades/Nationals or equivalent including Maths, English, Technical, Craft.

Kelly O’Rourke, Group Director of Human Resources commented: “We are delighted to be launching the second year of our successful Harland & Wolff apprenticeship scheme, providing quality opportunities for up to 150 new members of our team. This year we are opening the scheme up to our four yards in Belfast, Methil, Arnish and Appledore along with our corporate headquarters in London. The continued revitalisation and growth of Harland & Wolff means we are now in a position to offer a unique breadth of roles, across a full range of trades and through to roles in corporate support and communications.”

In the UK two shipyards, the A&P Group and Cammell Laird along with Isle of Wight ferry operator, Red Funnel have announced a new Apprenticeship Partnership Agreement.

The partnership will result in apprentices from all three companies being offered the chance to train across some of the largest businesses in the maritime sector.

A&P Group and Cammell Laird operate the UK’s largest commercial ship repair facilities. Both businesses have recruited hundreds of apprentices in recent years, offering training in marine engineering, fabrication, electrical, project management, health and safety, finance and procurement.

Red Funnel operates a fleet of Ro-Pax vehicles and Red Jet Hi speed passenger catamarans between Southampton and the Isle of Wight, which carries 3.4 million passengers and 900,000 vehicles each year. Red Funnel’s apprenticeship programme enables young people to earn as they learn, whilst strengthening the team onboard. It is the pathway to a rewarding career within the maritime industry.

Under the A&P and Red Funnel Commercial Partnership Agreement, Red Funnel’s 'Raptor' Class, Red Falcon, Red Eagle and Red Osprey have been visiting A&P Group’s Falmouth facility for dry dockings and repairs for the past five years. In 2019 Cammell Laird, as Afloat reported, the shipyard successfully completed the build of the (ro-ro freight ferry) Red Kestrel. This was the latest edition of the Raptor Class which Afloat adds entered service in the same year. 

The new Agreement will further cement A&P, Cammell Laird and Red Funnel’s relationship, as apprentices from all three organisations will now be given the chance to visit each other’s operations, undergo a bespoke training programme, which will equip them with a greater understanding of the life cycle of the Red Funnel fleet.
David McGinley, CEO of Cammell Laird and A&P Group said: “Red Funnel is a long-standing customer of both A&P and Cammell Laird and as such, is a key stakeholder of both A&P and Cammell Laird.

“We are committed to providing our apprentices with the most comprehensive training, to equip them with the skills needed for a bright future. It makes sense that we offer our apprentices, the next generation of workers who will build and maintain the Red Funnel vessels, the chance to see the vessels in day-to-day operation so they can further their understanding of the demands placed on the fleet.”

Fran Collins, Chief Executive Officer, Red Funnel said: “A&P and Cammell Laird engineers play a fundamental role in maintaining and supporting the Raptor Class, boosting efficiency, reducing downtime and enhancing the availability of the fleet for Red Funnel customers.

“This new collaborative Apprenticeship Agreement will offer Red Funnel, A&P and Cammell Laird apprentices an insight in ship repair, ship building and life at sea, which will give them a greater insight into the importance of their training and future career.”

The new programme will go live in September this year.