Upskilling Bridges Staff Shortage at Babcock Shipyard
Former Cleaner Donna Dryburgh Thrives in New Specialist Role
Donna Dryburgh transitioned from a cleaner to a Production Support Operative (PSO) at Babcock's shipyard in Rosyth, Fife, where she is now involved in warship construction.
After six years as a cleaner, Dryburgh was attracted to a PSO job advertisement, which led her to a new role that includes welder mask fitting.
She describes the shift as empowering, noting that more women are entering what is traditionally seen as a male-dominated industry.
Babcock, like many employers facing staffing challenges especially due to the pandemic and Brexit, employs over 2,000 people at Rosyth, introducing 200 PSO roles to develop internal talent through training.
Paul Watson, managing director of the Type 31 programme, underscores the competitive industrial landscape, marked by multiple shipbuilding projects and Scotland's renewable sector.
He highlights 'elbow training' as a mix of pre-site and on-the-job learning.
Workers like Paul Mclelland, who transitioned from a baker and window fitter to a PSO, have successfully adapted to their new roles.
The Rosyth site, previously responsible for assembling Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, is now focused on building Type 31 frigates, integral to the Royal Navy's air defense and submarine operations.
After six years as a cleaner, Dryburgh was attracted to a PSO job advertisement, which led her to a new role that includes welder mask fitting.
She describes the shift as empowering, noting that more women are entering what is traditionally seen as a male-dominated industry.
Babcock, like many employers facing staffing challenges especially due to the pandemic and Brexit, employs over 2,000 people at Rosyth, introducing 200 PSO roles to develop internal talent through training.
Paul Watson, managing director of the Type 31 programme, underscores the competitive industrial landscape, marked by multiple shipbuilding projects and Scotland's renewable sector.
He highlights 'elbow training' as a mix of pre-site and on-the-job learning.
Workers like Paul Mclelland, who transitioned from a baker and window fitter to a PSO, have successfully adapted to their new roles.
The Rosyth site, previously responsible for assembling Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers, is now focused on building Type 31 frigates, integral to the Royal Navy's air defense and submarine operations.
