The Devonshire Dock Hall in Barrow, home to teams constructing the Royal Navy’s latest submarines, was visited by the Earl of Wessex, His Royal Highness Prince Edward today (Thursday 13 June.)
As part of a tour of south Cumbria, Prince Edward met employees who are working on three Astute class submarines, the latest generation of hunter killer submarines built to never need refuelling, in various stages of construction.
He was also briefed on the Dreadnought programme, which will carry the UK’s nuclear deterrent, which is also under construction at the Cumbrian yard which employs almost 9,000 people.
The Prince was also introduced to apprentices learning their trade in the state of the art £25m Submarines Academy opened last year.
One of those he spoke to was Nathan Borowski, a first year electrical apprentice.
After the visit, Nathan said: “He was really interested in the junction box we showed him, and he asked us about the testing that takes place and what we will go on to learn.
“This experience has definitely helped to give me confidence about my presentation skills.”
In addition to touring BAE Systems, the Earl of Wessex also visited the South Walney Nature Reserve and St Mary’s Hospice furniture warehouse in Barrow.
