Babcock International Group, the Aerospace and Defence company, has welcomed more than 300 new apprentices and graduates at Devonport Royal Dockyard – Its biggest ever intake.
The 156 apprentices and 161 graduates will support a variety of projects and business areas at Devonport, from the Life Extension Programme on various frigates and submarines, to advanced manufacturing.
The apprentice roles are varied, from Welders, Fabricators and Pipe Workers, to Electrical Fitters, Mechanical Fitters and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinists, while the graduates are filling a wide range of posts, including: Mechanical, Electrical, Process and Civil Engineers, Naval Architects and Project Managers.
Paul Foster, Managing Director Devonport Royal Dockyard, is also new in post and started recently. He said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to welcome so many apprentices and graduates to Devonport, especially at a time of such turbulence.
“Being a recent recruit too, I’m sure they share my sense of pride in joining a business with such a great legacy and an exciting future. Our people make the difference, and I look forward to seeing the development of these young people as their careers progress.”
The apprentices and graduates undertook a thorough application process, including online testing and virtual interviews due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alyssa Davies, Sail Maker Apprentice said: “As an older apprentice this is a complete retrain for me, coming from my previous career in the NHS.
“I want to start my new career specifically with Babcock because it has a good reputation, along with an incredible training package and brilliant career prospects. I just can’t wait for my first day in the workshop learning my new trade.”
Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Abby Heath-Sawyers, talks of her excitement at joining Babcock, saying: “I couldn’t wait to join Babcock because it provides an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers experience in so many different business areas.
“I am most looking forward to rotating placements around the company and learning as much as possible to aid me in my personal and professional development, and carrying out important and meaningful work with visible and impactful results.
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