More than 10,000 visitors flocked to Devonport Royal Dockyard and Naval Base over the weekend, as Babcock International joined the Royal Navy in hosting a two-day community open event aimed at showcasing the scale, scope and importance of UK defence operations in Plymouth.
The historic site opened its gates to families, friends and local residents, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the dockyard’s contributions to national defence and its role as one of the region’s largest employers. With around 11% of the local population working for Babcock, the event also served as a platform to highlight the many career opportunities available across the business – from apprenticeships to highly skilled engineering roles.
A series of seven themed zones were curated throughout the site, featuring hands-on activities for all ages. One of the most popular attractions was the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) area, designed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation to consider a future in STEM-based careers.
The family-friendly weekend also included live science shows, drone displays, cookery demonstrations from Royal Navy chefs, tours of a Royal Navy warship, and the chance to ride a rigid inflatable boat.
John Gane, Managing Director at Babcock’s Devonport facility, said the event was a chance to celebrate both the site’s industrial heritage and its future as a critical hub for UK defence. “It was a pleasure to open the dockyard to visitors and to showcase the range of work we do in support of UK defence,” he said. “Together with the Royal Navy and the wider supply chain, these collaborative events are just one way to bring a little more insight into the facility and to show our pride in being part of the local community. There are tremendous opportunities here in Plymouth and we are hugely excited to play our part in creating a prosperous city to live and work in.”
Brigadier Mike Tanner, Naval Base Commander, echoed the sentiment, underlining the value of reconnecting with the public. “It is tremendously important for the public to get a glimpse into the Naval Base and see what goes on behind the walls,” he said. “Devonport is now entering an exciting chapter with the arrival of new ships, submarines, and the adoption of autonomous marine technology. Events like these allow us to share that story with the community, and to inspire the future workforce that will sustain the base for years to come.”
With a strong pipeline of defence work and one of the region’s largest annual apprentice intakes, Babcock’s role in supporting national security – and Plymouth’s economy – remains as vital as ever.
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