The new owners of Devon's historic Appledore shipyard are holding a two day careers open day and say up to 350 employees will be needed.
In a huge boost to the local economy following the £7million deal to buy the shipyard which closed in March 2019 by Belfast shipyard Harland and Wolff, Infrastrata.
The InfraStrata group says there will potentially be 350 people working at Appledore Shipyard, which has employed thousands of people over the past three centuries.
Now, Unite has renewed its call for the government to get behind the yard.
It says it should review its procurement policies to ensure that British ships are built at UK yards, including the Fleet Solid Support Ships due to go out to tender soon.
Unite regional officer Heathcliffe Pettifer said it has had preliminary discussions with the senior management, and hope to have more constructive and meaningful talks with the new owners as soon as possible.
“We want to explore the business plan, what the order book looks like, the workforce that will be required and the skill sets that employees will need.
“Unite has consistently argued that Appledore is viable and its closure in 2019 was due to a lack of political will and a failure of economic planning.
“Such government inertia can’t be allowed in the future and defence secretary Ben Wallace needs to review current procurement policies to ensure that British ships are built at UK yards. Such policies must include the Fleet Solid Support Ships which are due to go out to tender shortly.
“Appledore will be a litmus test for Boris Johnson and his ‘build, build’ rhetoric, and also for the Tories’ so-called ‘levelling up’ agenda which is desperately needed in the West Country.
“Behind the picture postcard cottages and images of endless cream teas, there are very real pockets of economic deprivation across the region that the resurrection of Appledore as an economically viable shipbuilding entity will start to address.
“The career days and expression of interest from potential employees will be the start of that journey to explore the future opportunities on offer.”
Held over two days – Thursday September 10 and Friday September 11 – the Careers Open Day is for prospective employees who will be able to register to attend by visiting the website.
InfraStrata’s CEO John Wood said: “Harland and Wolff (Appledore) has a key role to play as part of an exciting new era for UK shipyards and shipbuilding, supporting UK industry and revitalising economic growth here in the South West.
“A skilled local workforce is crucial to our success and as part of the acquisition. Over the coming weeks we will be welcoming some old faces back into the yard and introducing new employees, ensuring that we have a truly balanced, experienced and well-rounded workforce."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the shipyard at the end of August shortly after news of the reopening was announced. Speaking during his visit the PM said the shipyard had “massive history but it’s also got a great future”.
“What we want to do is to ensure that there’s a good enough stream of contracts coming through to drive jobs and growth here in Devon,” the Prime Minister said.
