UHI North, West and Hebrides inspires the next generation of island engineers
UHI North, West and Hebrides is supporting the next generation of engineering talent with apprentices at Navantia UK’s Arnish yard combining workplace experience with specialist training at the Stornoway campus.
UHI North, West and Hebrides is supporting the next generation of engineering talent with apprentices at Navantia UK’s Arnish yard combining workplace experience with specialist training at the Stornoway campus.
The apprentices are undertaking the Engineering, Manufacturing and Fabrication apprenticeship programme alongside their employment at Arnish, gaining recognised qualifications while developing practical skills in a working industrial environment.
The partnership creates a pathway into skilled employment while helping to develop the manufacturing and fabrication skills needed across the islands.
Roddy Ferguson, Head of Department Engineering and Construction at UHI North, West and Hebrides said:
“We are delighted to welcome our new apprentices on the Engineering Manufacturing and Fabrication framework.“The partnership between the college and Navantia gives the apprentices the best of both worlds – specialist engineering training at UHI North, West and Hebrides alongside valuable hands-on experience at Navantia UK’s Arnish yard. We are proud to play our part in creating local pathways into skilled, rewarding careers.”
Albert Allan, General Manager, Arnish, Navantia UK, added:
"Developing local skills is central to our long-term vision for Arnish. Through our partnership with UHI North, West and Hebrides, we are providing apprentices with the training, experience and support they need to thrive in modern engineering careers. These young people represent the future of our workforce, and by investing in them today we are helping to strengthen the industrial capability of the Western Isles for years to come."
UHI North, West and Hebrides deliver Modern Apprenticeships in Engineering Manufacturing and Fabrication, Engineering Asset Lifecycle and Maintenance, and Engineering Technical Support, combining college-based learning with workplace training and assessment. The programmes give apprentices the opportunity to develop the technical knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience required for careers in engineering manufacturing, fabrication, maintenance, and a range of technical engineering support roles.
The apprentices form part of Navantia UK’s wider apprenticeship programme across its four UK yards in Arnish, Appledore, Belfast and Methil.
At Arnish, apprentices are being trained in disciplines including welding, fabrication, pipe fitting, project planning and technical support, with future pathways also expected to expand into areas such as HR, finance and procurement.