Over the next four years, the initiative will encompass 400 apprenticeships, 350 production support operatives, skilled engineers, tradespeople, and graduates, contributing to the UK economy and local communities.

The recruitment drive aims to bolster essential skills required for current and future projects, including the Type 31 frigate design and build programme. The focus on production support operatives is designed to attract individuals from diverse backgrounds.

These new hires will join Babcock’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which has witnessed an investment exceeding £200 million in recent decades. Apprenticeship opportunities are also set to double in 2024 at the company’s west coast operation, supporting HMNB Clyde and the UK’s submarine enterprise.

David Lockwood, chief executive of Babcock International, said: “Attracting and retaining talent is essential to the future success of our business and directly benefits the local communities in which we operate.

“Continued investment in Babcock’s development programmes and facilities enables our apprentices, graduates and trainees to experience a mix of on-the-job learning in a modern, digitally led industrial environment, alongside academic training with further education partners and our own Babcock Skills Academy.

“This week is Scottish Apprenticeship Week; our apprentices play a really important role in our workforces across the UK, ensuring we can sustain the technical skills needed to continue to deliver critical national defence programmes.”

Minister for defence procurement, James Cartlidge, said: “Rosyth is at the heart of major UK defence and commercial programmes, and it was a privilege to meet skilled workers and apprentices there last week.

“A career with Babcock can provide these unique opportunities and skilled technical training, whilst making a huge contribution to the Scottish economy.”

Paul Sheerin, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, said: “Babcock Rosyth’s announcement is fantastic news for the engineering industry in Scotland – and the wider UK too – and the very best of timing as it coincides with Scottish Apprenticeship Week.

“With a staggering four hundred of the one thousand newly created roles being apprentices, what a fantastic opportunity to add highly skilled, well-paid jobs to our economy, and boost our talent pool significantly.

“It creates the chance for people new to the world of work, and those seizing the option to change track on their career, to contribute to the never more important security of the UK.”