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
Leonardo RT

“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
BAE Systems partners with US Army on M109 Paladin upgrades

Defence

BAE Systems partners with US Army on M109 Paladin upgrades

19 June 2025

BAE Systems has partnered with the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center (DEVCOM-AC) to advance the capabilities of the M109-52 Self-Propelled Howitzer prototype.

Smith Myers and JD2E showcase simulator solutions at Paris Airshow

Defence Security Events

Smith Myers and JD2E showcase simulator solutions at Paris Airshow

19 June 2025

Smith Myers has joined forces with aviation training and simulation provider JD2E to showcase their latest solutions at the Paris Airshow 2025.

Thales unveils mini electronic warfare payload for drones

Defence Events

Thales unveils mini electronic warfare payload for drones

18 June 2025

At the Paris Air Show (16th-22nd June 2025), Thales is presenting a new electronic warfare solution to meet the need for more closely integrated electromagnetic dominance operations across all military units.

Safran and Babcock advance Franco-British defence collaboration at Paris Air Show

Defence Events

Safran and Babcock advance Franco-British defence collaboration at Paris Air Show

18 June 2025

Safran Electronics & Defense and Babcock International Group, have announced plans to increase collaboration across multidomain mission systems, aircraft engines, space systems, tactical and strategic communications.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
UK provides funding for Typhoon’s future radar

Defence

UK provides funding for Typhoon’s future radar

17 June 2025

The UK Government has released £204.6m of funding towards the production and integration of an advanced new radar for the latest Eurofighter Typhoon jets for the Royal Air Force (RAF).

Serco to support US Navy amphibious ships and systems

Defence

Serco to support US Navy amphibious ships and systems

17 June 2025

Serco announced today that it has retained its contract to provide support to the US Navy’s amphibious warfare ships and systems.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025