A GB£25m submarine training facility has opened in the UK to help train engineers to design, build and delivery complex submarine programmes.
The 89,340 sq ft Academy for Skills and Knowledge in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria contains a virtual reality training suite and scale-model sized submarine units, as well as 10 workshops and 30 classrooms, to deliver bespoke training to almost 9,000 employees, including nearly 800 apprentices.
Cliff Robson, managing director of BAE Systems Submarines, said: “This is a fantastic facility that will provide a unique environment in which to train our growing workforce.
“Our investment in skills will not only ensure we have a pipeline of world-class talent available to deliver our complex programmes, but will also positively contribute to the economic prosperity of the region and the UK’s engineering industry.”
Training comprises mechanical and electrical skills in the facility’s workshops to design and project management in its classrooms. Resources such as the virtual reality training suite will allow employees to hone their skills in a simulated environment, before working on the real product.
UK Secretary of State for Defence, Gavin Williamson officially opened the centre and announced the award of a further GB£400m to BAE Systems for ongoing work on the Dreadnought programme, as well as the name of the second boat in the class, which will be HMS Valiant.
By Rebecca Jeffrey
