17 okt 2024

Skills-based Work Academy Programme helping to bridge the skills-gap

We recently hosted our second Skills-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) at our Devonport site in Plymouth.

The programme, developed in conjunction with Plymouth City Council, On Course South West and the local Department for Work and Pensions, is aimed at those who are not in work and provides opportunities for individuals to gain qualifications and skills, to support them to return to employment.

The five-day SWAP provided participants with the chance to achieve a Level 1 Health and Safety qualification and a Level 1 Employability qualification, as well as the opportunity to attend sessions on wellbeing in the workplace and mindset coaching. Participants also gained first-hand experience of our operations, including a tour of our production facility in Devonport where the Jackal build programme is taking place.

Alongside Supacat, we are building High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Jackal 3 vehicles for the British Army. Earlier this year production started for 70 vehicles and in September a further order of 53 Jackal 3 was awarded. The project has created and secured over 100 new jobs in the South West region and is one of the first contracts to deliver on the Land Industrial Strategy. 

We have a lot of opportunities ahead of us and are ensuring we have the workforce we need to deliver for our customers, both now and in the future. That means delivering the growth, skills and capability enhancements that will support our customers’ critical programmes for years to come. The SWAP presents an opportunity for us to identify new talent to join us – so far, 11 SWAP participants have joined Babcock, accepting various roles on our Jackal programme.

By introducing new approaches outside traditional routes, such as the SWAP, we’re opening up employment opportunities to a broader range of people. We’re attracting people from a range of backgrounds and experience, including those not currently in education, employment or training and assessing people first on characteristics such as attitude and teamwork rather than qualifications, broadening our talent pool.

Lauren, a recent SWAP participant said: “The course has helped me with my confidence and pushed me outside my comfort zone. Overall, the experience has been great and has made a big impact, not only on my life but my sons, giving me purpose and building my confidence.”

Tyler, another recent participant added: “I found that the SWAP programme was a lot of fun and a great experience. It helps build your skills, whether that be in finding the right job to suit you or giving you the tools needed to set you on the right path towards employment.”

The SWAP also supports the development of skills and knowledge in the local workforce to ensure that we have the right people in place to support the growth of the wider Plymouth area, including the South Devon Freeport. The programme delivers high-quality skills training and development opportunities that will benefit businesses and communities and bridge the skills gap in the region.

Natalie Kent, HR Business Partner who has been running the SWAP programme commented: “Embedding social value into the Jackal contract is making a significant, sustained impact to the local community. The continued success of the Jackal programme is great news for the long-term prosperity of Devonport and the South Devon Freeport.”