Given the tools for the future

Shipbuilder Navantia UK opened the new Resurgent Hall at Harland & Wolff (H&W) in Belfast early this month (Nov 2), in a move that will increase the number of apprentices on the site – and Unite reps at the shipyard are ready to support them on their journey and ensure “they get access to all opportunities and that not one is left behind.”

The facility was opened by Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP with Navantia UK saying that, “The opening of Resurgent Hall marks an important step in the renewal of one of the UK’s best-known shipyards.”

At the opening Keith Bethell, NAD Maritime Director, said, “The opening of the Resurgent Fabrication Hall is a clear sign that growth in UK shipbuilding is happening right now, in Belfast. 

“This investment is renewing our industrial capability, creating skilled jobs and apprenticeships, and strengthening the supply chains that underpin our national resilience.”

Navantia UK supports over 340 apprentices across its four UK sites, and says it “has set an ambition to increase the number of apprentices it supports to 750 by 2030, creating more routes into careers in welding, fabrication, engineering, design and digital manufacturing.”

Unite has a long history of supporting apprentices across manufacturing, including the launch of an Apprenticeship Charter earlier this year, and the Belfast shipyard is no exception, with new apprentices receiving their “Unite toolkit” earlier in the month.

Joe Passmore is a steelworker by trade and a Unite Convenor for H&W Belfast. Joe, who also sits on the Aerospace and Shipbuilding NISC feels supporting apprentices at the shipyard is an important part of the union’s work and has been a success with the large number of apprentices.

Joe explained that apprentices at H&W work in a number of roles, and Unite is there to support all of them with the issues they face as they start a career. 

Joe explained, “There are currently 145 apprentices on site. 65 of whom joined us in September. With a few exceptions apprenticeships last for 3 years. The job roles are steelworkers, welders, pipefitters, maintenance fitters, electricians and mechatronics.

“A few years ago we introduced an apprentice rep who we had fully trained. The role of that rep and how they gain experience is as a focal point for apprentice issues.

“We have found that many of the issues that apprentices face are similar and are easily answered. Our apprentice rep can do that easily without it becoming a drama.

“If there are issues that the apprentice rep cannot deal with, then come to me and we work on the problem together. Again this adds to the experience of the rep going forward.

“The previous two apprentice reps are now qualified welders and continue to be excellent workplace reps. Two months ago we recruited another rep from within the apprentices and his training has already started.”

As well as having the support of a dedicated Unite Apprentice Rep, the union also meets apprentices at the induction stage and introduces them to the advantages of union membership. 

This is an important opportunity to organise new workers just starting out, and Joe said, “Of the recent batch, Unite have so far recruited 45 new members but we expect more to follow in the coming months.”

“We explain that collective bargaining and proper representation is the shield that union membership offers. The benefit of union membership is that you don’t have to face your journey through a daunting career path on your own. 

“We are there to offer you all the support you need on your journey.”

The benefits of being a member soon become clear to the apprentices and Unite has been on hand to resolve a number of issues that they may face. 

These have ranged from individual issues over pay facilities and mental health, Unite reps have also used their experience to guide a few apprentices on alternative career paths within the company.

Speaking about the new Resurgent Hall at Harland & Wolff Joe feels this is a positive move as shipbuilders have suffered in recent years due to a shortage of skills, 

Joe said, “The only way that we can start re-building that skills base is through proper well-structured apprenticeships. Apprenticeships that are managed by people who understand the skills that a modern shipyard needs.

“I am confident that we are training the apprentices properly and they receive enthusiastic support from qualified tradesmen throughout our yard and from within our training facility. 

“Our Unite reps are there to make sure that they get access to all opportunities and that not one is left behind.”

One of the ways that Unite offers support from the very beginning is through the toolkits, like those that this year’s apprentice intake recently received. The branch, with support from Unites Irish Executive Committee, has been supplying these toolkits to apprentices for some time now, and union reps take care to make sure they only get the best.

Joe explained, “When the opportunity came along for toolkits for our new apprentices, I wanted to make sure that those tools were the tools that our apprentices need and not just random tools. 

“I approached all of the members in our training team for advice and I got personally involved in the procurement of these items to make sure what our apprentices needed was what they received.”

Joe added that, “All of our training team including management are Unite members so they are also my eyes and ears if they see any issues that we can help with.”

With an increased apprenticeship programme and the level of support Unite members give these new workers in developing their skills and careers, shipbuilding in Belfast, and the defence of the UK, is in safe hands. 

By Keith Hatch

Apprentices photo by Harland and Wolff

Joe Passmore photo by Mark Thomas