BAE support for Labuan Shipyard
There are plans to make Labuan Shipyard and Engineering (LSE) a world-class facility with the capability for ship repairs and, more importantly, shipbuilding, within two years.
The first step is to train 300 apprentice engineers and an additional 50 skilled engineers from Malaysia in Scotland.
BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions (SSFS) will conduct the training together with six other partners including the Malaysian Government and LSE.
BAE have supported LSE in a number of initiatives, including supporting an apprenticeship programme in Malaysia, BAE Systems managing director (Asia Pacific) Steve Meighan said.
"This will give LSE the opportunity of training a suitably qualified workforce for the future which will benefit Malaysia in the long term," he said.
BAE has recruited 61 graduates since 2001 under its graduate programme with recruitment across all disciplines.
The programme is a two-year wide UK development programme and has been considered successful in terms of recruitment.
BAE also has an apprentice programme where craft and technical apprentices are recruited between the ages of 16 and 18.
Over the past five years, about 500 apprentices have been recruited by BAE and there are plans to recruit 120 apprentices this year.
"It was an honour and recognition for BAE last year when we won the 'Best Large Employer' award at the 2006 Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards," Meighan said.
"The National Vocational Training Department and National Occupational Skills Standards governs vocational qualifications in Malaysia."
"However, the continued development of those who have qualified needs to continue and this includes a sound grasp of the English language."
Writing, speaking, listening and knowing terminal technology are vital steps towards making Malaysia an international site for shipbuilding and repairs.
Local graduates should also complement their vocational skills with a formal academic qualification to an internationally recognised standard - National Certificate in Engineering.
"The benefits include developing in-house training capability in LSE through qualified trade trainers," Meighan said.
"However, the 350 Malaysian trainees will be trained at the BAE shipyard in Glasgow where they can gain experience and first-hand knowledge."
"Shipbuilding accounts for just five per cent of the work that goes into constructing a warship now with technical aspects accounting for more than 50 per cent."
Meighan said training for combat systems and equipment integration would also be provided for the Malaysians as this was part of the technology transfer.
Production of two frigates that Malaysia is buying from BAE will only commence after the signing of the contract and it will take another 12 months for the steel pieces to be burnt, cut and shaped.
By that time, Malaysia should have attained the standard and equipment for shipbuilding and will be capable of putting the frigates together.
Meighan declined to disclose when the contract would be signed saying there was only about 20 per cent of discussions to be completed.
The first step is to train 300 apprentice engineers and an additional 50 skilled engineers from Malaysia in Scotland.
BAE Systems Surface Fleet Solutions (SSFS) will conduct the training together with six other partners including the Malaysian Government and LSE.
BAE have supported LSE in a number of initiatives, including supporting an apprenticeship programme in Malaysia, BAE Systems managing director (Asia Pacific) Steve Meighan said.
"This will give LSE the opportunity of training a suitably qualified workforce for the future which will benefit Malaysia in the long term," he said.
BAE has recruited 61 graduates since 2001 under its graduate programme with recruitment across all disciplines.
The programme is a two-year wide UK development programme and has been considered successful in terms of recruitment.
BAE also has an apprentice programme where craft and technical apprentices are recruited between the ages of 16 and 18.
Over the past five years, about 500 apprentices have been recruited by BAE and there are plans to recruit 120 apprentices this year.
"It was an honour and recognition for BAE last year when we won the 'Best Large Employer' award at the 2006 Scottish Modern Apprenticeship Awards," Meighan said.
"The National Vocational Training Department and National Occupational Skills Standards governs vocational qualifications in Malaysia."
"However, the continued development of those who have qualified needs to continue and this includes a sound grasp of the English language."
Writing, speaking, listening and knowing terminal technology are vital steps towards making Malaysia an international site for shipbuilding and repairs.
Local graduates should also complement their vocational skills with a formal academic qualification to an internationally recognised standard - National Certificate in Engineering.
"The benefits include developing in-house training capability in LSE through qualified trade trainers," Meighan said.
"However, the 350 Malaysian trainees will be trained at the BAE shipyard in Glasgow where they can gain experience and first-hand knowledge."
"Shipbuilding accounts for just five per cent of the work that goes into constructing a warship now with technical aspects accounting for more than 50 per cent."
Meighan said training for combat systems and equipment integration would also be provided for the Malaysians as this was part of the technology transfer.
Production of two frigates that Malaysia is buying from BAE will only commence after the signing of the contract and it will take another 12 months for the steel pieces to be burnt, cut and shaped.
By that time, Malaysia should have attained the standard and equipment for shipbuilding and will be capable of putting the frigates together.
Meighan declined to disclose when the contract would be signed saying there was only about 20 per cent of discussions to be completed.
