We were proud to join the Royal Navy in welcoming over 10,000 family, friends and wider visitors to an action-packed community event, held over two days across the Devonport Royal Dockyard and Naval Base.
The historic doors were opened, providing the local community with a unique opportunity to see the breadth and depth of activities that support the armed forces and critical UK defence programmes.
Alongside the military, we’re one of the region’s largest employers, employing around 11% of the local population, and have one of the largest annual apprentice intakes across the region. With a pipeline of work spanning decades, the two-day event was a great opportunity for visitors to learn about the varied career opportunities available to people from all different backgrounds and experience.
Seven themed zones were curated within the facility, with a huge variety of things to see and do for all ages. One of the highlights of the event was our Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) area designed to spark curiosity and excite the next generation about the many possibilities of a STEM based career.
Other activities included live science shows, dramatic drone displays, kitchen demos from Royal Navy chefs, and a chance to visit a warship and ride a rigid inflatable boat.
John Gane, Managing Director at Babcock’s Devonport facility said: “It was a pleasure to open the dockyard to visitors and to showcase the range of work we do in support of UK defence. Together with the Royal Navy and the wider supply chain, these collaborative events are just one way to bring a little more insight into the facility and to show our pride in being part of the local community. There are tremendous opportunities here in Plymouth and we are hugely excited to play our part in creating a prosperous city to live and work in.”
Brigadier Mike Tanner, Naval Base Commander, added: “It is tremendously important for the public to get a glimpse into the Naval Base and see what goes on behind the walls.
“It has been a while since we’ve been able to bring people in, and I think the story in Devonport now is just so exciting. We’ve got a new class of ship coming in, a new class of submarine coming in, we’re really embracing the autonomous marine technology as well and we’re bringing that into the Naval Base, and it’s vital we bring our families in to show them where we work and be proud of what we do as well.
“Devonport Open Days is also a local story about us and the City of Plymouth creating opportunities for the workforce that will work in the Naval Base for a long time to come.”