BAE launches Barrow careers hub as part of drive to recruit thousands of engineers

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HMS Audacious, the fourth Astute class submarine, prepares to leave Barrow's Devonshire Dock Hall
HMS Audacious, the fourth Astute class submarine, prepares to leave Barrow's Devonshire Dock Hall - BAE Systems

BAE Systems has opened a new careers hub in Barrow-in-Furness as the first part of a multi-million pound set of investments across the town.

The Careers Inspiration Hub is the first site to open at the Portland Walk Campus, and will offer employment advice from BAE and a range of Barrow and Furness employers and organisations.

Earlier this year, the company purchased several retail properties in the town, including the former Debenhams, WHSmith and Bodyshop units. These vacant sites are being transformed into vibrant new spaces to provide the local community with education, outreach and recruitment services.

The next stage of the Portland Walk Campus will transform the former WHSmith and Sweet Emporium sites into a bigger multi-use engagement hub whilst the final investment will see the town’s former Debenhams’ building transformed into a large new learning centre, with mock-ups to provide physical practice areas, bridging the gap between BAE Systems' Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge and the shipyard. 

Work on the Portland Walk Campus is taking place in tandem with the creation of a £10.4m Barrow Learning Quarter, which will consist of a new university campus and the establishment of a number of Community Resilience Hubs. These two projects will bring significant benefits to Barrow and will benefit from £1 million in support from BAE Systems over the next three years.

BAE Systems has announced that it is recruiting almost 1,000 apprentices and graduates to join the Barrow shipyard in 2024.

Janet Garner, Future Workforce Director, BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said:  "We're determined to play our part in the regeneration of this brilliant town. Our Portland Walk Campus is the embodiment of that work and we’re already seeing more shops and local businesses return to the town centre."