Babcock expands International Apprentice Exchange Programme in Poland and seeks new recruits at Rosyth for 2025

Babcock apprentices are gaining international experience through an exchange programme connecting Babcock’s Rosyth site with academic institute CKZiU no. 1 in Gdynia, Poland. The exchange, running alongside Babcock’s support to Poland’s new frigate design and build programme, comes as Babcock opens its applications for its 2025 apprenticeships.

The company has unveiled that it is creating almost 1,500 new apprentice and graduate roles across the UK over the course of 2024 and 2025, underpinning its commitment to the development of the UK’s next generation of defence and engineering talent, with 108 apprenticeships up for grabs at its Rosyth site as part of next year’s intake.

Creating exciting opportunities for its apprentices and building on the success of last year’s pilot, Babcock has expanded its international apprentice exchange in Poland from five days to two weeks, providing unique opportunities to develop and share expertise in a global context. The programme is facilitated by support from CKZiU no. 1 in Poland and Forth Valley College in Scotland.

This year’s programme saw apprentices from Rosyth and Polish students from CKZiU no. 1 develop technical skills and gain work experience in shipbuilding and manufacturing, with an opportunity for reciprocal visits to Babcock’s Rosyth facility and the PGZ shipyard in Gdynia.

Paul Watson, Managing Director, Arrowhead, said: “We’re thrilled to develop last year’s success by extending the exchange to provide more in-depth experiences. This programme gives our apprentices valuable international experience and fosters strong partnerships that are key in today’s global industry.

“And with applications now open for next year’s apprentice intake at Rosyth, we are opening up a world of opportunity for the next generation of Rosyth employees.”

Rafał Miłosz, Director of CKZiU No. 1 in Gdynia, said: “It was a pleasure to support this exchange in collaboration with Babcock and to host a number of its apprentices. Our students gained valuable experience that will have many positive benefits on their personal development and on their future professional work.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership and working together on future projects.”

Babcock was selected as the platform design provider and technology partner for the MIECZNIK frigate programme and this initiative is part of the company’s wider ambitions to support Polish students and contribute to the local workforce development in Gdynia.

Hot on the heels of more than 100 apprentices joining the Rosyth site in 2024, the Fife facility is seeking apprentices across a range of trades including Welders, Fabricators, Pipeworkers, Mechanical and Electrical Fitters, CNC Machinists and Design Apprentices.

Applications for its 2025 apprentice intake can be accessed via Apprenticeships · Babcock Early Careers (babcockinternational.com)