Pupils from schools across West Dunbartonshire are being offered a unique career pathway in fabrication and welding.

The vocational programme, now in its third year, is a collaboration between West College Scotland and BAE Systems.

The initiative provides students with early exposure to high-demand skills in fabrication and welding while they are still at school.

The pupils attend college as one of their subject choices, four afternoons a week, where they receive immersive training and direct engagement with BAE Systems' naval shipbuilding operations at its shipyards in Glasgow.

Sam Thomson, head of engineering technologies, said: "We are thrilled to partner with BAE Systems on this programme, offering young people in our community the opportunity to gain the skills and real-world insights needed to progress in fabrication and welding.

"By helping them build strong foundations for careers in engineering, we are proud to be contributing to the future success of the Scottish shipbuilding industry."

The curriculum focuses on Metal Inert Gas (MIG)/Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding, fabrication processes, ship construction skills, and engineering project management.

Health and safety are also integral to the programme, ensuring students are equipped for real-world environments.

Phil Brown, head of early careers and skills at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships, said: "We are proud to support this programme, which not only inspires young people into an engineering career but also equips them with essential skills in fabrication and welding.

"By providing hands-on training and direct exposure to our naval shipbuilding operations, we are helping to build a pipeline of talented individuals ready to contribute to Scotland’s proud engineering heritage."

Last year, 12 students from schools across Clydebank and Dumbarton completed the programme, with five advancing to full modern apprenticeships with BAE Systems.

This year, 11 students have enrolled.

Pupils interested in the next intake of the Schools Vocational Programme should contact their school guidance teacher for further information.