The Scottish Secretary has welcomed Navantia UK's commitment to take on hundreds more apprentices during a visit to the company's Methil shipyard in Fife.

On Monday 26 October, Douglas Alexander toured the yard where the new recruits will help build three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Navantia UK is raising its UK apprenticeship target from 500 to 750 by 2030 as it steps up investment in its yards, workforce and future skills.

During the visit, the Scottish Secretary and Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard met apprentices and saw upgrades intended to expand the yard's capability and capacity, including a newly completed paint shop and other equipment and technology introduced as part of the investment programme.

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Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander said: "The UK Government worked hard to secure the  future of yards such as Methil as part of our commitment to Scotland's industrial heartlands, and today with Navantia I've seen the difference that commitment has made. A busier order book, a growing  workforce and a large increase in apprenticeships - this is what's possible when government and industry  work together. 

"There are huge opportunities with the defence dividend that come from being part of the United  Kingdom. I'm proud that the UK Government's support for the sector is delivering skilled jobs and growth  for communities right across Scotland. This is a new age of industrialisation for the UK, with Scotland at  its heart."

Since Navantia UK acquired Methil in January 2025, investment at the yard has reached £26.7 million, including a further £12 million announced this year for training facilities, modern machinery, infrastructure and new technology. The workforce has increased from 180 to 275, and 75 apprentices are now in training at the site.

It also follows Navantia UK's announcement that Methil had secured its second new vessel export contract and was recruiting 60 skilled workers, including welders, platers, riggers, scaffolders and painters.