Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Defence

Babcock supports work returners

Babcock recently welcomed participants in the Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) to its Vehicle Engineering site in Walsall to showcase its products and services while demonstrating the variety of career opportunities it offers to people looking to return to work.



Image courtesy Babcock

The SWAP, which was developed in collaboration with the local Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Walsall Council and Walsall College, supports those in the local community interested in finding out more about roles in defence and gaining the qualifications, skills and experience that will support them with their return to employment.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

During the two-week training programme, participants were provided with the opportunity to achieve a Level 1 Award in Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Awareness, Level 1 Award in Health and Safety, basic vehicle awareness and transferable employability skills with a focus on Babcock and defence.

Participants visiting Babcock's site in Walsall were given an overview of the critical role it plays in supporting UK defence and security before going on a tour of the facility which is home to our new General Logistics Vehicle family and Babcock's Civilian Armoured Vehicle, used in more than 60 locations around the world. During the tour participants had the opportunity to observe six demonstrations including electrical design, scanning and computer aided design and welding, gaining a great insight into our business.

The initiative forms part of Babcock's ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and represents the third programme of its type that it has been involved in, following similar programmes in Devonport.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250

Adam, a participant of the SWAP, said: “From my visit to Babcock it is evident that the staff are passionate and truly enjoy their work. The SWAP is a positive initiative and Babcock is doing a good thing supporting it.”

Gordon Reynolds, Babcock’s Transformation Director, added: “Babcock is committed to supporting the local community and providing employment opportunities for people looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career – and our partnership with the DWP, Walsall Council and Walsall College is a perfect example of this in action.”

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Aldershot and Farnborough to host 2026 National Armed Forces Day

Defence Events

Aldershot and Farnborough to host 2026 National Armed Forces Day

5 December 2025

Rushmoor borough has today been awarded the prestigious honour of hosting the 2026 National Armed Forces Day celebrations.

Blighter adds radar target tracker to BlighterNexus system

Defence Security

Blighter adds radar target tracker to BlighterNexus system

5 December 2025

Cambridge based Blighter has added a proprietary dynamic radar target tracker module to its integrator-friendly BlighterNexus AI-assisted multisensor connectivity & processing system.

Serco to support RCAF FAcT

Defence

Serco to support RCAF FAcT

5 December 2025

Serco has been awarded a 25-year contract by SkyAlyne to support its Future Aircrew Training (FAcT) programme for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

Babcock strengthens French defence training with L-39

Defence

Babcock strengthens French defence training with L-39

4 December 2025

Babcock France has been awarded a contract to support the French Test Pilot school (EPNER) with an L-39 aircraft – the first for its fleet.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Navantia UK hosts official FSS steel cutting ceremony in Appledore

Defence

Navantia UK hosts official FSS steel cutting ceremony in Appledore

4 December 2025

The traditional steel cutting ceremony was held at Navantia UK’s Appledore shipyard in North Devon yesterday, marking a significant achievement for the FSS programme that is driving a £100 million investment across Belfast and Appledore.

British designed satellites successfully launched

Defence Security Space

British designed satellites successfully launched

3 December 2025

A cluster of British designed and built satellites has been successfully launched into low Earth orbit, providing defence, security and civil sectors with UK space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to enhance the nation’s ability to protect against modern threats.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle