Navantia UK increases nationwide apprenticeship scheme

Navantia UK is increasing its commitment to recruit apprentices across its UK business from 500 to 750 by 2030 as the company ramps up investment in its yards, workforce and future skills.

The apprentices will work on building three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and will be ready to take on further projects for the Ministry of Defence.

The announcement comes as Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander and Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard visited Navantia UK’s Methil yard in Fife on Monday 26 October.

The Ministers met apprentices and saw the investment being made to increase the yard’s capability and capacity. Navantia aims to position Methil at the heart of a broader effort to reindustrialise the Levenmouth area, supporting and building the regional economy.

Since Navantia UK acquired Methil in January 2025, investment in the yard has reached £26.7 million. This includes a further £12 million announced this year for training facilities, modern machinery, infrastructure and new technology. The workforce has grown from 180 to 275,= and 75 apprentices are now training at the site.

How investment is laying the groundwork for future programmes

During the visit, the Ministers toured the yard and see the newly completed paint shop, along with other equipment and technology being introduced as part of the investment programme.

The investment is supporting the work under way at Methil today and preparing the yard for future programmes, including Programme Euston, the Ministry of Defence programme for new floating docks at HM Naval Base Clyde.

The visit follows the Chancellor’s announcement that the floating docks will be built and delivered in UK shipyards. Methil is well placed to support the programme, alongside its growing portfolio of commercial and defence work.

It also comes shortly after Navantia UK announced that Methil had secured its second new vessel export contract and was recruiting 60 skilled workers, including welders, platers, riggers, scaffolders and painters.

The new order follows the first export contract secured earlier this year and the completion of Navantia UK Seahorse, the barge supporting delivery of the Fleet Solid Support programme for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Why building skills will develop a workforce to support UK shipbuilding

Donato Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of Navantia UK, said: “There is real momentum at Methil. We are investing in the yard, bringing in new work and recruiting more people. We also need to build the skills that will support the yard and our wider business in the years ahead.

“That is why we are increasing our nationwide commitment from 500 apprentices by 2030 to 750. It will give more young people the chance to build skilled careers in our industry and help us develop the workforce we need as the business grows.

“Methil has an important role to play in the future of UK shipbuilding. The investment being made here, the skills in the workforce and the opportunities ahead, including Programme Euston, give us a strong base to keep building from.”

Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander MP said: “The UK Government worked hard to secure the future of yards such as Methil as part of our commitment to Scotland’s industrial heartlands, and today with Navantia I’ve seen the difference that commitment has made. A busier order book, a growing workforce and a large increase in apprenticeships – this is what’s possible when government and industry work together.

“There are huge opportunities with the defence dividend that come from being part of the United Kingdom. I’m proud that the UK Government’s support for the sector is delivering skilled jobs and growth for communities right across Scotland. This is a new age of industrialisation for the UK, with Scotland at its heart.”

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MPS, said: “Apprentices are at the heart of defence’s industrial base that keeps this country safe. These opportunities pave the way for the next generation, providing essential skills, training and experience while contributing to the security of the UK.”

Methil currently has 75 apprentices, following the arrival of 21 new apprentices this year. They are part of a company-wide intake of 121 apprentices in 2026, joining 222 apprentices already employed across Navantia UK’s four UK sites at Methil, Arnish, Belfast and Appledore.

Navantia UK’s increased commitment to 750 apprentices by 2030 forms part of its wider investment in the people and skills needed to support the future of shipbuilding and advanced manufacturing across the UK.