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<p>As the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSBS) acknowledges, having the skills within
the UK to design, build, repair, and supply certain equipment and systems and integrate
naval ships (and security sensitive equipment in all naval ships) is a key factor
in the successful delivery of naval capability. We acknowledge that ensuring that
there are sufficient numbers of properly skilled workers across the sector will require
continued investment and support from Industry. BAE systems recently used advanced
visualisation software to refine the design of our cutting-edge Type 26 Global Combat
Ships. This highlights the increasing importance of IT skills for the future of UK
Shipbuilding.</p><p>The question of apprenticeship and other recruitment is a matter
for privately owned companies to determine, but as I'm sure you are aware, there are
a variety of initiatives in place across the UK designed to support the development
of skills, some are the responsibility of the Devolved Administrations. With regards
to naval shipbuilding, the Maritime Enterprise Working Group with the support of the
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, MOD and the Society of Maritime
Industries coordinate a long term programme to improve the industry's productivity
and competitiveness, including current work to understand the underpinning skills
base and roles.</p>
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