UK shipbuilding skills taskforce (UKSST)
The taskforce developed a skills strategy for shipbuilding in the UK, which aims to ensure the UK’s shipbuilding industry has a skilled workforce.
This group has closed
The taskforce was set up as an 18-month task and finish group in July 2022. It closed in December 2023.
The shipbuilding skills delivery group will be set up to oversee the taskforce’s recommendations.
Role
The taskforce worked across government and with the shipbuilding industry to:
- identify the skills needed and provide solutions to skills shortages, particularly those related to new and emerging technologies
- ensure that shipbuilders and the supply chain in all parts of the UK can access the skills they need
- use the existing skills system so training providers can train the future workforce
- draw on best practice from other sectors and national skills approaches to optimise skills funding and opportunities for shipbuilding
- promote training funding and career opportunities in the shipbuilding sector
The taskforce was an independent group established by the Department for Education in response to the national shipbuilding strategy refresh (2022).
Taskforce report and toolkit
On Monday 11 September 2023, the taskforce launched:
- its report - ‘a step change in UK shipbuilding skills’
- a supporting toolkit for shipbuilding employers on ‘how to leverage UK skills systems’
You can access both documents on the City of Glasgow College’s website.
Membership
- Paul Little, Principal and Chief Executive, City of Glasgow College (Chair)
- Adrian Bevin, Head of Curriculum, Technology, South Devon College
- Andrew Cree, Deputy Director Future Training, Royal Navy
- Bob King, Head of Defence Industry Group, Prospect Trade Union
- Edward Corbett, Project Engineer, representing Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU)
- Hannah Prowse, CEO, Portsmouth Naval Base Property Trust
- Jim McHarg, HR Director, Marine and Engineering Systems, Babcock International Group
- Keith Longman, Yard Manager, Berthon Boat Company Ltd
- Kerrie Forster, CEO, Workboat Association
- Linton Roberts, Chief Technology Officer, Cammell Laird Shiprepairers and Shipbuilders Ltd and A&P Group Ltd
- Mark Whitehead, Commercial Manager, Windcat Workboats Ltd
- Matt Bolton, Chief Executive Officer, UKNEST
- Matthew Guy, Human Resources Director, Thales UK
- Nick Mansell, Chief Executive Officer, Intermarine UK
- Paul Feely, Academy and Engineering Director, BAE Systems Naval
- Rachel Kitley, Principal, Cowes Enterprise College, Ormiston Academies Trust
- Richard Westgarth, Industry Engagement, BMT MarRI-UK, and Adjunct Professor, Southampton Marine and Maritime Institute
- Sarah Dhanda, Head of Policy and Partnerships, Enginuity
- Tahsin Tezdogan, Associate Professor in Maritime Engineering, University of Southampton
Meetings
Meetings were held monthly:
Summaries from previous meetings are available on the National Archives.