Q&A: Alan Johnston

Published on Wednesday 28 January 2009 20:55

Chief executive, BVT Surface Fleet, one of two companies supporting a Scottish Enterprise campaign to attract 1,000 new recruits into Scotland's shipbuilding industry

Why is the campaign so important to Scottish shipbuilding?

It gives the industry the opportunity to challenge the preconception that ship building in Scotland is dead. BVT is currently in an excellent position, we have a strong order book, we are working on some of the most advanced projects within our sector and our apprenticeship programme is oversubscribed every year.

What is it that might attract young people to a career with a firm like BVT?

We are 100 per cent committed to providing people with a career, rather than a job. Our training programmes give our employees the skills to deliver some of the most advanced programmes for the Royal Navy.

Is BVT under pressure to replace workers who are nearing retirement age?

In 1999, the average age of employees on the Clyde yards was about 50 years old and there was no apprenticeship programme. Ten years on and thanks to a great deal of investment by BVT and our parent company BAE Systems we are now in a position whereby more school and university leavers are not only joining but moving up the ranks in the business.

How special is the heritage of shipbuilding in Scotland to a company like yours?

It is the foundation on which we have been able to build such a successful business. Specifically, 'Clyde-built' has the reputation for producing some of the best ships in the world and this is a legacy that we expect to continue.

Is there a danger of being too reliant on defence contacts?

As a business we have worked very hard to build up our specialist skills base and I feel that we should continue to pursue such opportunities. However, BVT's Portsmouth facility has a great deal of experience in small patrol craft which are used by Coastguard, customs and marine police.