Louise Haigh visited Griffon Marine in Portsmouth to see how government procurement is supporting British jobs, skills and apprenticeship opportunities.

Griffon Marine welcomed Louise Haigh, First Secretary of State, to its shipyard at Trafalgar Wharf, Portsmouth, as the Government highlighted the role that public procurement can play in supporting British jobs, skills and opportunities.

The visit followed a recommendation from colleagues at the National Shipbuilding Office, who identified Griffon Marine as an excellent example of how government procurement is already delivering social value within communities through the company’s work for the Ministry of Defence’s Boats in Service programme.

The visit coincided with an announcement on the Government’s plans for central government procurement, with a focus on strengthening the benefits that public spending can deliver for British jobs and skills.

During her visit, Ms Haigh toured Griffon Marine’s shipyard and saw first-hand how the company’s work supports employment, skills development and opportunities within the UK maritime sector.

Mark Downer, CEO of Griffon Marine, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Louise Haigh to our shipyard and to showcase the work being undertaken by our teams in Portsmouth. The Boats in Service programme demonstrates how government procurement can deliver far more than the supply of a service or a vessel – it can create good British jobs, develop valuable skills and provide opportunities for people within the communities where that work takes place.

“As a British maritime business, we are proud of the contribution our people make to the UK’s maritime capability, and we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how investment in British companies and British skills can deliver lasting value.”

Apprenticeships offer opportunities for the future

The visit also provided an opportunity to highlight the career opportunities available within the maritime sector, including apprenticeships.

During the visit, Griffon Marine’s Head of People and Organisational Development, Jodie Harris, was interviewed by the BBC about apprenticeships.

The BBC feature was aimed at young people who will be starting Year 11 in September and will explore the options available to them after GCSEs, including the openings offered by apprenticeships.

Jodie discussed the opportunities available through Griffon Marine’s apprenticeship programme, including the ability for apprentices to gain practical experience while continuing to develop their skills and, in some cases, to work internationally.

Jodie added:

“An apprenticeship can be an excellent way for young people to start their career while continuing to learn and develop valuable skills. At Griffon Marine, our apprentices are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real working environment, learn from experienced colleagues and build a career within the maritime industry.

“There are also opportunities to broaden their experience, including the possibility of working abroad, which can open up a whole new range of experiences and help them develop both professionally and personally.”

The visit highlighted the importance of connecting government procurement, industry and skills development to ensure that investment in public services also helps create opportunities for the next generation of British workers.

For Griffon Marine, developing its workforce remains an important part of building the skills and expertise needed to support the UK’s maritime sector for the future.