Navantia UK expands workforce with new apprentice hires

Navantia UK has welcomed 21 new apprentices at its Methil facility, who started at the yard as part of a major ramp-up in the site’s capability, backed by sustained investment in infrastructure and people. They join the yard’s existing cohort of 54 apprentices from previous years, taking the total number of apprentices at Methil to 75.

The hires form part of a company-wide intake of 121 apprentices this year, joining the 222 apprentices Navantia UK already employs across its four UK sites of Appledore, Arnish, Belfast and Methil. The company has set an ambition to hire 500 apprentices by 2030 to support the business’ expansion.

With both Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships on offer, apprentices can specialise in electrical engineering, fabrication and welding, with Methil also offering apprenticeships in technical computer aided design.

Nurturing talent to underpin the future of UK shipbuilding

Mitchell Barrowman, Apprentice Supervisor at Navantia UK’s Methil yard, said: “Investment in our people and equipment is creating opportunities for young people in Fife, who will play a vital role in the future of UK sovereign shipbuilding and naval construction. As Methil continues to expand, we are delivering best-in-class training to our apprentices to prepare the yard for a growing portfolio of work.”

Navantia UK’s schools outreach programme is helping to build the pipeline of new talent. The company engages with around 15 to 20 secondary schools and 2,500 students each year through careers fairs, talks and employability sessions and around one third of applicants to this year’s apprenticeship programme applied as a direct result of that work. Navantia UK plans to introduce yard open days next year to give students first-hand insight into modern shipbuilding before applications open.

Earlier this year Methil completed the Navantia UK Seahorse ahead of schedule, an £8 million strategic investment now playing a critical role in the construction of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships by transporting ship blocks between Navantia UK’s Appledore and Belfast facilities. The investment in capability is already paying dividends. Methil has been awarded a competitive international vessel build export contract, for which it is recruiting an additional 120 people and the workforce has already grown from 180 to 260.

Investing in training, technology and modern industrial capabilities

Investing in apprenticeship training is at the core of Navantia UK’s strategy as it expands operations and modernises its four facilities in preparation for a growing portfolio of work, including UK sovereign shipbuilding and naval construction to support the Government’s Defence Investment Plan. The company has also brought in additional senior management for Methil to oversee project delivery and commercial functions, including leaders with experience of delivering complex maritime and defence infrastructure projects for the Ministry of Defence.

Apprentices continue to support Navantia UK’s growth in shipbuilding and in supplying the energy industries, as well as the company’s long-term commitment to building sovereign industrial capability in Scotland. The company was also named among The Sunday Times’ Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

Navantia UK recently announced a further £12 million investment in Methil to support improved training facilities, modern machinery, infrastructure improvements and new technology, taking total investment in the yard to £26.7 million since the company acquired the site in January 2025. The funding forms part of Navantia UK’s £157 million investment programme to modernise its four UK yards and rebuild advanced shipbuilding capability across the UK.

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: “As part of our commitment to Scotland’s industrial heartlands, the UK Government promised to secure the future of the Methil and Arnish yards. This latest milestone shows Navantia in Scotland going from strength to strength, with an international export contract secured, a growing workforce, and an important role to play in our Defence Investment Plan.

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for the young people starting their careers at the yard. Their future is bright – they are stepping into skilled, secure jobs in a company with ambitious plans for the future. I wish them all the very best.”