Babcock has marked two significant milestones in its long-term commitment to the South West, opening a new Skills Centre at Devonport Dockyard, with the capability to support 1,500 technical colleagues and apprentices annually, and breaking ground on an Integrated Logistics Hub at Sherford, which will consolidate more than 30 logistics locations.
The developments form part of our ongoing work with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver critical defence programmes, investing in the people and infrastructure needed to support the Royal Navy’s submarine fleet and future requirements.
Formally opened by Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry and MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, the Babcock Skills Centre brings practical training closer to operational delivery, helping connect education, industry and early careers pathways while developing the specialist technical skills needed across the defence workforce. The Centre reinforces the city and wider region’s position as a cornerstone of the UK’s sovereign defence industry.
The planned Integrated Logistics Hub at Sherford, within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, will optimise space across Babcock’s Devonport estate and increase operational capacity and resilience in support of critical submarine sustainment and deep maintenance activities. Supporting increased throughput at Devonport, including the dual-streaming of Astute-class submarines and the transition to Dreadnought, the hub will be located on an 18.8-acre site with the potential to accommodate a 30,000 square metre facility.
Together with our previously announced Capability Centre in Plymouth city centre, which will accommodate up to 2,000 colleagues, the developments support the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy making defence an engine for growth – backing skilled jobs, a resilient UK industrial base and regional prosperity.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry and MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said: “Plymouth has always been at the heart of our national defence, and investments like this show how working with industry partners like Babcock can deliver both the skills our Armed Forces need, and the opportunities and growth this community deserves.
“The new Skills Centre will support those already in defence to learn new skills and grow their career and create new pathways for those entering defence for the first time, giving local people the chance to build a career they can be proud of.”
Neal Misell, Chief Executive, Babcock Nuclear, said: “Today demonstrates our long-term commitment to Plymouth and the wider region, developing the skills, capability and infrastructure needed to bolster the UK’s national defence resilience, while creating opportunities for economic growth and prosperity for future generations. Concluding the day at the new Babcock Capability Centre here in Plymouth city centre was a great chance to share our upcoming plans for the facility with regional partners which will see us relocate around 2000 colleagues into the heart of the city, bringing economic benefits and opportunities as we support the retention and creation of high value jobs into the future.”
Richard May, CEO, Plymouth and South Devon Freeport: “This is the Freeport doing what it does best – unlocking opportunities and turning plans into real investment. We’re delighted to be working with Babcock to bring this exciting project forward and build on the momentum we’ve created together. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved – and a great example of the defence dividend delivering real benefits for Plymouth and South Devon.”
Councillor Dan Thomas, Leader of South Hams District Council, said: “This investment is part of the bigger picture for the South Hams. We promised to support a thriving local economy, create opportunities for good-quality jobs and build strong, resilient communities. By investing carefully and working with our partners, we are turning those promises into practical action that will benefit residents and businesses now and in the future.”