FOUR new additions to the Babcock workforce at HM Naval Base Clyde are making working at Faslane a real family affair by joining their fathers on the company’s team.

The new starts are among 10 apprentices and five graduates selected after a rigorous application, testing and interview programme undertaken by the Ministry of Defence’s commercial partner at the base.

For new apprentice and Garelochhead resident Andrew Aitken, a day at his new office has a familiar feeling as he follows father David, who works at the base, to the site.

Talking about his time so far, Andrew said: “It is a good feeling to follow in my dad’s footsteps, especially as Babcock has a lot of exciting projects that I will get to work on and I like having a familiar face on site.”

Another apprentice, Nicky King, explained: “Dad was an apprentice at Clyde then he joined Babcock, so it’s like a family tradition now!

“There is so much for me to learn and I’ll get to work on some really big projects here so I can’t wait to get started.”

The new apprentices and graduates will focus on some of the company’s most exciting engineering projects, while the apprentices – whose selection brings Babcock’s apprentice programme at the base to full capacity – will also study for formal qualifications with West College Scotland.

Simon Foster, managing director of Babcock Clyde, said: “Our 2017 programmes have attracted significant interest and we are delighted with the successful candidates.

“The apprentices and graduates showed great knowledge, skills, aptitude and passion throughout the application process and I have no doubt that they will be great assets to Babcock.

“I look forward to meeting them and watching their development as they gain exposure to different activities, operations and projects in the years to come.”

Babcock’s engineering support services at the base include submarine and surface ship maintenance, facilities management, health and safety and environmental management, and accommodation provision.