'Terrific opportunities to learn while you earn': Harland & Wolff opens 35 apprenticeship places as £90m shipyard revival gathers pace

Navantia UK’s Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast hsa opened applications for 35 apprenticeship places in 2026.

The programme forms part of the company’s drive to develop the next generation of skilled engineers and shipbuilders in Northern Ireland.

The apprentices will work on a number of projects including construction of three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. These vessels will provide vital supplies such as food, ammunition and equipment to Royal Navy warships at sea.

Navantia UK is investing £90 million in modernising Harland & Wolff Belfast to turn the yard into one of the most advanced shipbuilding facilities in Europe. Investments include an extended building hall, new lifting cranes, robotic plasma cutting systems and automated quality control processes.

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Since acquiring Harland & Wolff last year, Navantia UK has committed to growing industrial talent across the UK. Recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, the company offers Level 2 and Level 3 apprenticeships across a variety of trades and technical roles, including welding, pipe fitting, fabrication, computer aided design and mechanical engineering.

Helen McTockell, apprenticeship and training manager at Navantia UK, said: “Our apprenticeships scheme is key to our commitment to the local community – we’re keen to hear from young people across Northern Ireland who are looking for a rewarding industrial career.

“Apprentices are terrific opportunities to learn while you earn. You’ll be joining a dynamic workforce at a shipyard which is undergoing a revival and which is really going places.”

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Case Studies:

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James Strain – Apprentice

“I started as a steelworker and now work in design engineering, learning from more experienced colleagues. I chose this apprenticeship because of the company’s shipbuilding expertise, and it’s been more educational than any schooling.”

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Corey Duffy - Apprentice

“I chose an apprenticeship as I’m better and more suited to using my hands and learning new skills. I went to Navantia UK as I like the way they build ships, and because the company is newly established in the UK. I was welcomed with open arms by the workers at Harland & Wolff. I’m looking forward to learning new skills and showing my abilities to fellow workers. I hope to become one of the best fabricators at Harland & Wolff, and I’m looking forward to meeting new people.”

Applications will open and will be available on the Navantia UK website.