Babcock International recently announced a new partnership with the Royal Academy of Engineering during the academy’s National Engineering Day event on 5 November in Westminster. The collaboration aims to address engineering skills shortages, inspire the next generation of talent, and reinforce Babcock’s commitment to lifelong engineering development.
The partnership builds on Babcock’s existing initiatives, including the Defence Dividend, the academy’s This is Engineering campaign, and the company’s flagship STEM engagement, the Festival of Engineering. Over the past year, Babcock has delivered the first national series of its Festival of Engineering events in Bristol, Rosyth, and Plymouth, reaching more than 1,500 schoolchildren. The company has also engaged over 82,000 children across the UK through STEM-related activities, equating to approximately one in every 130 schoolchildren.
Neil Young, Babcock’s Global Engineering Capability Director, attended the event with a group of graduates and apprentices, describing the partnership as “a pivotal moment in Babcock’s commitment to investing in the future of engineering.” He added that, as a major UK defence company, Babcock not only drives employment and growth but also invests heavily in skills development to support its 26,000 UK colleagues. Young emphasised that partnerships such as this are essential for securing the engineering talent needed to underpin national security.
Electrical apprentice Maya, part of the Babcock delegation, said: “It’s been amazing to be part of today’s event and the new partnership. I have always dreamed of being an engineer as I believe engineers can make the world a better, safer place and hopefully my contribution is making a difference.”
The announcement coincided with the Royal Academy of Engineering releasing the final report in its Engineering 2030 series and launching the AI-Z of Engineering Careers, showcasing the diversity of engineers and the vital roles they play in shaping the modern world.
Through this partnership, Babcock and the Royal Academy of Engineering aim to strengthen the UK’s engineering pipeline, inspire future talent, and support national growth through targeted skills initiatives and STEM engagement.
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