Rosyth employment initiative scoops MoD award for Babcock

The company picked up the Social Value Award which recognises projects with a focus on the social aspects of sustainability, including community engagement and education.

The accolade recognised Babcock’s Production Support Operative (PSO) programme that is supporting the delivery of the next generation of warships for the Royal Navy while helping people with a route to employment who may otherwise have found it difficult.

Babcock developed the PSO programme, in partnership with Trade Unions and local community partners, to meet resourcing and skills requirements at its Rosyth facility for the build of five Type 31 frigates.

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The initiative focuses on attracting people from a range of backgrounds and experience, including those not currently in education, employment or training, with the role centred around supporting and learning from time-served tradespeople.

Babcock's Head of Sustainability (Marine), Natasha Allan, and Sustainability Graduate, Abbie Ratcliffe, with the MoD award. (Image: Babcock)

Paul Armstrong, Chief Executive of Marine for Babcock, said they were "extremely honoured" to have received the award.

He added: "Since the launch of the programme in April 2022, we have employed more than 150 PSOs and will create a further 350 PSO roles over the next four years as part of 1,000 new jobs at our state-of-the-art Rosyth site.”