Labour Defence Pledge

The party will guarantee apprenticeships, to help train the next generation of skilled defence workers, if they win the general election.

During a visit to Rosyth dockyard, Shadow Defence Secretary Vernon Coaker said Rosyth dockyard owners Babcock would be required to promote opportunities to all Fife school leavers as part of new Royal Navy contracts. 

A Labour Government would also work with companies to promote opportunities to the local community.
 
Mr Coaker MP explained; "There is no doubt that Rosyth Dockyard has done a tremendous job in assembling the nation's new Aircraft Carriers. One of the success stories has been the hundreds of apprentices that the previous Labour Government required Babcock to create as part of the contract in Fife.  Labour will build on that success by expanding that policy so that going forward all future contracts will have same requirement. It is in our national interest that we ensure that we have a skilled workforce able to build and maintain complex warships.
 
Dunfermline and West Fife MP Thomas Docherty added; "This is a fantastic announcement for Fife which will provide real job opportunities to local people.  I am delighted that Vernon has come to West Fife and has set out exactly how the next Labour Government will help local young people in Fife secure their futures. We have an opportunity to use the Aircraft Carrier programme over the next half century to train thousands of engineers and skilled workers, we must not fail future generations."