A piece of work commemorating 150 years of the Barrow shipyard has been unveiled.
Called People. Product. Pride: 150 years of Barrow Shipyard, it was created by apprentices in BAE’ System’s Submarine Academy of Skills and Knowledge.
Set to go on display in Barrow this year, it depicts the area’s shipbuilding heritage through the men and women who have worked in the shipyard, the community the business has served for a century and a half, and the shipyard’s long-term partner, the Royal Navy.
The piece was unveiled by BAE Systems Submarines managing director Steve Timms.
He said: “It represents so much that has occurred in our proud history. The timeline of major events, the pioneering advancements in technology, and the ever-changing employee landscape as increasing numbers of female workers have taken on traditionally male roles.
“The Royal Navy personnel in the centre represent and pay homage to the key and consistent link that we have with the Royal Navy and the UK government, a relationship that will hopefully continue for many more years to come.
“It also highlights the role of our apprentices. They are the future of this business and their talent, skill, creativity and hard work came up with the design of this fantastic piece and then turned it into reality.”
The design was selected after a competition between apprentices at the shipyard’s Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge.
Academy principal Janet Garner was impressed with the standard of all the entries in the competition, saying: “These apprentices were all fairly new to our business and worked in adverse conditions, remotely to produce high-quality presentations and concept designs.
“The standard of work was phenomenal, and the pride that was shown by everyone was excellent. It is a testament to our Early Careers community.”
Georgia Cooper, a fourth year project management degreeapprentice, who was heavily involved in the project, said: “I feel so happy that the statue is completed and those who have been involved have been able to see their hard work come to fruition. It was important for us to get the whole business involved.”
Apprentice designer Chloe Struckman said: “It has been a great use of all the skills that I have learned from my years as an apprentice. I have had the opportunity to communicate with all areas of the business, and have worked really close with a number of operation teams which has been great for my own development.”
Apprentice sheet metal worker Stephen Coulter said: “It has been an honour to work in the project, we enjoyed coming up with the concept design. I feel proud to see it come to life.”
Skills development coach Shaun Hannaway, who came up with the initial concept for the project, said: “It has been amazing to see so many different people in both our early careers population and the wider business be involved in this project.
“During the initial start-up discussions it was beyond my wildest dreams to see the project grow so big. I can’t wait to see the statue in place.”
