30 October, 2024Modern classrooms, a welcoming and workfriendly cafeteria are things you see when you walk into the shipbuilding academy in Glasgow. For over five years, Unite the Union, an affiliate of IndustriALL, fought relentlessly for something the UK shipbuilding industry needed—a state-of-the-art shipbuilding academy that would prepare its workforce for a more modern, sustainable future. It wasn’t just about meeting immediate needs, but about reshaping the industry for the next generation.
IndustriALL sat down with Duncan McPhee, a trade union convenor at Unite, to hear more.
Shipyards across the UK had long offered training facilities, but they were outdated, unable to attract the new talent the industry desperately needed. In an era where young people are increasingly drawn to cutting-edge industries, shipbuilding needed a new face, a modern one.
“Unite recognized the need for modernization early on and championed the idea of creating a facility that could train both blue-collar and white-collar workers and graduates in new technologies, modern engineering, and the latest industry trends. Our vision was clear: to make shipbuilding as innovative and appealing as any high-tech industry,”
said Duncan McPhee.
For years, the union lobbied for change, taking a twin-headed approach. They pushed for both the recruitment of fresh talent and the upskilling of the current workforce, knowing that advances in technology would require a more adaptable, tech-savvy workforce.
“We kept reminding shipbuilding companies: the industry couldn’t grow unless we were willing to invest in its people,”
explained Duncan McPhee.
The breakthrough came when BAE Systems, aerospace company, saw the potential. With an increase in international contracts and a robust order book, they decided to put their resources behind the union’s vision.
“We told the company to put their money where their mouth is and that the investment was substantial, and the payoff would be equally so. Then shipbuilding academy became a reality,”
said Duncan McPhee.
This modern academy, would house classroom teaching facilities for both blue-collar and white-collar workers and graduates, with specific training programmes for trades like steelwork, outfitting, and design engineering. Beyond just offering apprenticeships for new recruits, it would also serve to upskill current workforce, many of whom were eager to learn new skills and take on new roles. The workshops are available to all, helping both young apprentices and experienced workers adapt to the rapidly evolving shipbuilding industry.
But Unite’s vision extended beyond the shipyard. They pushed for the academy to be a resource for small supply chain companies, allowing them to send apprentices to train alongside their counterparts from larger shipyards. This was a move that ensured the entire shipbuilding ecosystem could benefit from a skilled workforce, ultimately strengthening the industry’s supply chain.
Diversity and inclusion also became a top priority.
“We are aiming for 30 per cent female apprentices, right now we have 20 per cent and we are determined to break the stereotypes of a male-dominated industry. We understand that the future of shipbuilding needs to include everyone, and we make it our mission to make the industry more accessible for women,”
said Duncan McPhee.
In August 2024, the academy opened its doors, ready to welcome a new generation of shipbuilders. For those stepping into the facility, it was a clear departure from the past.
“I want to say to people that this industry is a modern one and it is growing, it is nothing like the old movies you see of shipbuilders. We worked closely with the company to show apprentices their future career path from day one, giving them confidence and clarity about where their journey in shipbuilding could take them,”
said Duncan McPhee.
“From the moment these new apprentices walked through the doors, Unite was there. In their first week, the union spoke to them about how they could provide support throughout their careers. Our success rate in signing up new recruits is at 95 per cent, a testament to our deep connection to the workforce. Many of these apprentices would remain with the union throughout their careers, some even rising into management but staying loyal to the union that had stood by them from the beginning,”
said Duncan McPhee.
The fight for the shipbuilding academy wasn’t easy. It took years of campaigning, raising the issue repeatedly, and demanding investment. But through their unwavering commitment, Unite ensured the UK shipbuilding industry wouldn’t just survive, it would thrive. They had fought for a future where modern technology and skilled workers could lead the industry into a new era. And that future had finally arrived.
“The global shipbuilding industry is booming, but labour shortages are growing as the workforce ages. New technology and emissions standards make shipbuilding an exciting, dynamic career. Attracting new talent, especially women, is key to a sustainable future, and the union’s vision will make this happen,” said Walton Pantland, IndustriALL shipbuilding and shipbreaking sector director.