News / Education
Augmented reality apprenticeship to give ‘skills boost to the region and UK defence’
Babcock International has launched a new apprenticeship welding school in Bristol, providing a skills boost to regional and to national defence.
The programme combines augmented reality with welding, offering a modernised approach to training apprentices.
Having partnered with Weston College, Babcock hope to train apprentices in a variety of areas, including advanced manufacturing, maintenance and repair.
Attendees at the school’s official opening included Bristol South MP, Karin Smyth and the chief executive of Babcock’s Mission Systems business, Neal Misell, along with representatives from the University of West England, Gloucester College and Weston College.
During the opening, guests participated in an augmented reality welding challenge, showcasing the pioneering technology used in the programme.
During the opening, guests participated in an augmented reality welding challenge – photo: Babcock
Misell, chief executive of Babcock’s Mission Systems business, said: “Investing in skills that support the defence industry’s critical role in the security of the UK is vital.
“This dedicated, on-site welding school will create new jobs, help us maintain these sought after skills and underlines our commitment within the wider South West region.”
Karin Smyth, Bristol South MP, said: “Babcock have been a valued employer in the community I represent for many years, they consistently demonstrate a commitment to the region and supporting new pathways into employment”.
Karin Smyth MP and Neal Misell cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the school- photo: Babcock
Babcock has also recently opened a new Submarine Availability Support Hub (SASH) in Bristol with the hope that the SASH will help develop nuclear and defence skills in the area.
Main photo: Babcock International
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