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Motion · S6M-21065 · 10 Mar 2026

Babcock and Two Scottish Colleges to Collaborate on Development of Scotland’s Defence and Manufacturing Workforce

Lodged by Alexander Stewart Standard Motion 23 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament is enthused that Babcock and Fife and Forth Valley colleges are teaming up with a new joint skills pact outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed by the three organisations; understands that the agreement comes as demand for engineering, digital and technical skills grows across Scotland’s strategically important defence and industrial sectors; acknowledges that Gareth Hedicker, Chief Operating Officer of Babcock’s marine sector, has said that the joint skills pact represents a major milestone in their collective commitment to build Scotland’s future workforce; understands that Babcock's CEO, David Lockwood, has spoken about the experience of working at Rosyth, stating that there are increasing opportunities for young people, both at the dockyard and abroad, and that the workplace in the Mid Scotland and Fife region was “a welcoming place"; acknowledges that Fife College's Principal, Jim Metcalf, also highlighted the college’s pride in its relationship with Babcock and its training engineers, technicians and digital specialists; further acknowledges that Kenny MacInnes, Principal of Forth Valley College, also pointed to the local benefits and said that the "collaboration demonstrates exactly how effective partnerships between colleges and industry can drive economic impact locally and nationally”, and wishes everyone involved with all the organisations, including students, apprentices and all the staff, all the very best for the collaboration’s ultimate success.

Supporters (23)

Source: the Scottish Parliament motions and amendments record.