'The largest vessels built at the yard in a generation’: Harland & Wolff launches recruitment drive as major Belfast shipbuilding returns
Twenty-eight new roles announced as work ramps up on Royal Fleet Auxiliary Fleet Solid Support ships
Harland & Wolff has launched a recruitment drive for 28 skilled workers as work accelerates on what will be the largest vessels built at the Belfast shipyard in a generation.
The historic shipbuilder is recruiting 21 welders, five platers and two pipefitters to help deliver the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships.
The recruitment campaign comes as parent company Navantia UK continues a £98.5 million investment programme to modernise the yard, upgrade facilities and technology, and expand its workforce.
The Fleet Solid Support programme marks the return of major shipbuilding to Belfast and is expected to reinforce the city's reputation as a leading centre for advanced maritime manufacturing.
Announcing the vacancies on social media, Harland & Wolff said: "Join us! We're recruiting 21 welders, five platers and two pipefitters.
"These roles will help deliver the Royal Fleet Auxiliary's Fleet Solid Support ships, the largest vessels to be built at the yard in a generation. Navantia UK is investing £98.5 million in facilities, technology and equipment, and growing the workforce alongside it. Major shipbuilding is coming back to Belfast, and we need skilled tradespeople to make it happen."
Carlos Lopez Carregado, general manager at Harland & Wolff, said the programme offers local tradespeople the chance to be part of a landmark chapter in the yard's history.
"The Fleet Solid Support programme is bringing major shipbuilding back to Belfast and creating an opportunity for local tradespeople to help deliver vessels of genuine national importance," he said.
"We want skilled welders, platers and pipefitters to join the team that will turn this investment into ships and help establish Belfast as one of Europe's leading centres for advanced shipbuilding."
The recruitment campaign forms part of wider investment in the historic shipyard following its integration into Navantia UK, with the company seeking experienced tradespeople to support the next phase of the high-profile defence contract.
The Fleet Solid Support ships will provide logistical support to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, replenishing Royal Navy vessels with supplies including ammunition, food and equipment during operations.
Harland & Wolff is encouraging experienced welders, platers and pipefitters interested in joining the programme to apply through Navantia UK's careers portal.