Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Babcock sparks apprentice skills with new welding school in Bristol

Defence

Babcock sparks apprentice skills with new welding school in Bristol

Babcock International Group has launched a new apprenticeship welding school in Bristol, which will fuse traditional welding training with augmented reality, providing a skills boost to the region and UK defence.


Image courtesy Babcock International Group

The welding school opens as the UK faces an increased demand in these critical skills driven by growth in national defence programmes and technology advancements alongside an ageing workforce and a decline in welding apprenticeship opportunities.

As part of the wider Babcock Academy, a collaborative training approach across the UK in partnership with external learning providers, the new welding apprentices will progress through their course with academic partners Weston College providing specialist welding skills alongside Babcock. The trainees will work on a variety of programmes in areas such as advanced manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul. 

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

The facility was officially opened by Bristol South MP Karin Smyth and Chief Executive of Babcock’s Mission Systems business, Neal Misell. Representatives from the UWE (University of West of England), Gloucester College and Weston College also attended the milestone event. 

To demonstrate the skills required for a career in welding,  the apprentices set an augmented reality welding challenge for guests, using a new hi-tech welding kit to showcase how new technology has changed this career. 

Neal Misell, Chief Executive of Mission Systems, Babcock said: “Investing in skills that support the defence industry’s critical role in the security of the UK is vital. Ensuring we have a new generation of talent, delivered in dynamic collaboration with our customers and partners, will help us to meet the growing demands of the major defence programmes we support.

Advertisement
Teledyne

“This dedicated, on-site welding school will create new jobs, help us maintain these sought after skills and underlines our commitment within the wider South West region.” 

Karin Smyth MP said: “Babcock have been a valued employer in the community I represent for many years, they consistently demonstrate a commitment to the region and supporting new pathways into employment. I have long championed apprenticeships in Bristol South and the wider area, and this welding school will play a key part in delivering good quality jobs critical for our nation’s defence in the years ahead.”

Babcock supports 21,500 jobs in the region and contributes £1.3bn per year in the regional economy.

Advertisement
Babcock LB
HMG Paints returns to DSEI with advanced defence coatings

Defence Events

HMG Paints returns to DSEI with advanced defence coatings

30 July 2025

Independent UK paint manufacturer, HMG Paints, will be returning to DSEI UK (Defence and Security Equipment International) 2025, taking place from 9th to 12th September 2025, at ExCeL London, to highlight the latest advancements in defence coatings.

Clear B2B appoints Allyson Higgins as Managing Director

Defence

Clear B2B appoints Allyson Higgins as Managing Director

29 July 2025

PR and marketing agency, Clear B2B, has announced the appointment of Allyson Higgins as its new Managing Director, marking the start of a new growth chapter for the agency.

UK high-altitude ISR balloon soars to new heights

Defence

UK high-altitude ISR balloon soars to new heights

29 July 2025

The UK has successfully trialed uncrewed high-altitude balloons which can conduct intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, spearheaded by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S).

CCL launches CCL Protect

Defence

CCL launches CCL Protect

29 July 2025

Digital forensics and cyber specialist CCL Solutions Group has today announced the launch of CCL Protect, a subscription-based cyber security service designed to give SMEs and fast-growing businesses access to enterprise-grade protection without the complexity or cost of building it in-house.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
Base Materials gains full DNV type approval

Defence Security

Base Materials gains full DNV type approval

29 July 2025

Base Materials has become the first syntactic foam subsea buoyancy materials manufacturer to achieve full DNV type approval (TAC) across its entire portfolio of Subtec buoyancy materials.

BISim

Defence

BISim's VBS4 selected for US Army GFT

29 July 2025

Bohemia Interactive Simulations (BISim), a wholly owned subsidiary of BAE Systems, Inc., has announced that the US Army has completed a contract modification to begin upgraded deployment of Virtual Battlespace 4 (VBS4) as part of its ongoing Games for Training (GFT) programme.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025