A new £12million state-of-the-art facility has opened in Glasgow.
The training facility - which is located at BAE Systems' Scotstoun shipyard - has opened to 'ensure Scottish shipbuilding has a thriving workforce for generations to come'.
The Applied Shipbuilding Academy has been designed to develop the entire workforce from new starts to senior leaders in the industry.
BAE Systems says the academy will be a 'key training' facility for all the apprentices and graduates in the company's Naval Ships business.
On top of that, the centre will 'provide life-long' learning and skills development activities for around 4,500 employees.
The new school comprises a 'modern trade hall and a flexible learning hub'.
The aerospace company says the hall offers a 'high-quality, hands-on-training environment' where learners will be 'fully immersed in realistic ship mock-ups'.
Meanwhile, the adjacent hub houses over 30 teaching spaces, a 'cutting-edge science, technology, engineering and maths innovation lab, an exhibition area and conference space.
It is hoped that the huge multi-million-pound investment will help ensure that current and future employees can 'reach their full potential in priority areas for the shipbuilding and maritime industry'.
Paul Feely, Academy and Engineering Director, BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said: "The Applied Shipbuilding Academy is an extraordinary innovation centre that will enable outstanding learning across our entire workforce and help secure a strong future talent pipeline.
"Investing in our people and harnessing the latest technological advancements is fundamental to our mission, enabling us to deliver on the national endeavour that is the Type 26 programme and future projects.
"This commitment ensures that we can equip navies worldwide with a decisive competitive edge for generations to come."
Rod Paterson, Chief Executive Officer, the National Shipbuilding Office, said: “The BAE Systems Applied Shipbuilding Academy is a fantastic enduring commitment which will develop a pipeline of skilled workers fit for the future.
"I look forward to the contribution the Academy will make to creating a highly skilled workforce and our national shipbuilding capabilities.
"It is excellent to see the vision become a reality.”
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