You probably will have questions. This is a career you're considering after all. The companies who train and employ tomorrow's engineers are used to answering questions.
Whatever industry you work in, businesses will always say that it is impossible to predict the future with 100% accuracy. However, if you complete the apprenticeship or graduate scheme, the industry will always try to ensure that there is a career path for you. And with a solid training and work experience other career paths may well open up - although we hope you will stay in the industry.
Job prospects in shipbuilding are extremely positive. Currently in Scotland, work is underway on the Type 45 Air Defence Destroyer programme - a total of six ships, only one of which has so far been delivered. And the never-ending maintenance of complex warships for the Royal Navy continues to create a need for skilled people. The immediate future will see Scottish companies undertaking contracts for the building and integration of two aircraft carriers, the largest ships to enter Royal Navy service. There are also potential contracts with export customers.
If you opt for a career in the industry, at apprentice or graduate level or if you are re-entering work, you will be provided with training to enable you to become fully qualified in your chosen field.
You will be working with state-of-the-art equipment on some of the most advanced programmes in the world, and if you can do that, you can do almost anything!
The industry can offer you the opportunity of a secure future with the UK's leading defence companies. For the right people with the right attitude, there are opportunities for career development, personal development, financial rewards and solid training in a trade or skill that will be recognised across the engineering industry.
The industry in Scotland is currently very buoyant, something which is set to continue for many years to come.
If you are committed to your career and to the job you are doing, there should be opportunities for progression in your chosen area. And with the background of great training and work experience, chances are you will be much sought after by the engineering industry in general, where there are increasing skills shortages and long term job opportunities.
This varies from company to company but typically core working hours are 37 hrs per week. There may also be flexi-time arrangements for office based staff. Depending on the job, shift working may also be involved - which suits many people. The shipyards operate 24/7.
This will again vary from company to company. A typical allowance is 8 statutory and 25 annual holiday days per year.
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including work wear, is provided by the company.
Yes, you can join a Trade Union. The main companies usually work in close partnership with appropriate industry unions which represent most of the workforce. The trade unions play an active role in skills development in shipbuilding industry at both the local and national levels. The main unions are Amicus (Unite), GMB, Prospect and TGWU (Unite).
The opportunities for women are the same as for men with the industry operating an equal opportunities policy. Currently there is a 50/50 male to female ratio on the graduate programme on the Clyde and although the apprenticeship programme is male dominated, it is heartening to see that more and more females are being attracted into the industry.