Since 1999, this shipyard has been home to BAE Systems’ Submarines facility. Here thousands of colleagues work to design and build some of the most complex engineering projects in history to help protect those who protect us.
In this article, we’ll explore what it’s like to live and work in the area and explain why we’d recommend relocating to Barrow-In-Furness for a position at BAE Systems.
Many members of our team have made this fulfilling career move and now enjoy a unique lifestyle in a historically rich and naturally beautiful part of England.
BAE Systems is part of the Barrow community in a massive way. They do a lot for the local community, especially during the pandemic. They created a lot of PPE and they shared that with the local hospices and with the local hospitals. I think that obviously shows what an integral part of the community it is. We’re at the foot of the Lake District, so it’s a gorgeous place locally to be able to visit anywhere and there are some great opportunities internally. I’ve always felt like I’ve really been well looked after. I’ve never had a bad manager, I’ve always had a good salary. I’ve got good prospects and job security. Obviously, the people you work with just make it a great place to be.Emily, Electrical Operations - Submarines
Where is Barrow-In-Furness?
Barrow-In-Furness, often known as Barrow, is located in Cumbria, North West England, at the tip of the Furness peninsula.
This historic town enjoys an enviable coastal location on the doorstep of the Lake District, England’s largest National Park and UNESCO World Heritage site.
What’s it like to live in Cumbria?
Living in Cumbria means embracing a lifestyle that balances natural beauty, cultural richness and community spirit. It’s a place where you can enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside, and coastal living, while still having access to the amenities and opportunities of modern life. You can expect:
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The great outdoors: Cumbria is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the Lake District, which is a breath-taking UNESCO World Heritage Site. As well as 60km of beautiful coastline to explore. This offers access to a range of exhilarating outdoor activities both on and off the water such as visiting nature reserves, hiking, cycling and kayaking.
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Cultural heritage and community spirit: The region is rich in arts and culture, with a dynamic range of social activities and street arts. Plus historical sites like Hadrian’s Wall and Carlisle Castle. The area is known for its strong sense of community and friendly residents.
What makes Barrow-In-Furness such a nice place to live?
The many draws to living in the Barrow-in-Furness area includes:
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Affordability, the economy and employment opportunities: The cost of living and housing is low, compared to other parts of the UK. Major employers like BAE Systems boost the local economy and provides jobs. Within the wider area, Cumbria offers excellent employment prospects across various sectors, including tourism, farming, education, national defence, nuclear energy, and renewable sources.
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Amenities and transport: The area offers plenty of cafes and restaurants, theatre, cinema, and a sports centre amongst other amenities. There are also good transport links, including a direct train to Manchester airport.
What is there to do in Barrow-in-Furness?
Whether you're interested in history, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Barrow-in-Furness has something for everyone.
Explore heritage sites such as the Dock Museum and the ruins of Furness Abbey, a 12th century medieval monastery. Or, get outdoors and enjoy hiking, cycling, or boating in the nearby Lake District National Park. There's even seal-watching – did you know, South Walney Nature Reserve is home to the only grey seal colony in Cumbria?
The town centre offers a mix of shops, markets, and eateries, with many community events and festivals taking place throughout the year.
Barrow's central location also makes it a convenient starting point for day trips to nearby attractions such as South Lakes Safari Zoo, Piel Island, or the South Lakes Wild Animal Park.
What towns are near Barrow?
Several towns and villages surround Barrow. They offer a glimpse into the rich history and attractions of the Furness Peninsula in Cumbria. If you’re exploring the area, consider visiting some of these charming places.
Ulverston is a historic market town known for its labyrinth of cobbled streets and colourful festivals. It also marks the start of the 70 mile Cumbrian Way, which winds through the county’s most beautiful landscapes.
Dalton-in-Furness is a small town with a historic market square and home to the iconic 14th century Dalton Castle.
Six miles further north sites Kirkby-in-Furness, a small village with historic churches and access to scenic countryside walks.
Meanwhile, Broughton-in-Furness is a picturesque market town, thirty minutes’ drive from Barrow, which is surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the area.
In the Lake District National Park you’ll find everything from Michelin starred restaurants, the highest peak in England and the cooling waters of the landscape – to the historic homes of some of the UK’s most beloved writers and poets such as Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.
What is the main industry in Barrow-In-Furness?
The main industry in Barrow-in-Furness historically has been shipbuilding. The town has a long-standing tradition of shipbuilding dating back to the 19th century. Over the years, Barrow's shipyard has been responsible for constructing submarines, naval ships, and commercial vessels.
Today, the shipbuilding industry remains a significant part of Barrow's economy, with BAE Systems being the primary employer. While shipbuilding is the main industry, Barrow also has other sectors contributing to its economy, such as manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail.
What’s it like working at Barrow shipyard?
Working at the Barrow shipyard, offers a unique and rewarding experience. Our shipyard is known for its state-of-the-art Central Yard Facility, which is the largest in the UK.
The shipyard is also home to our Academy for Skills and Knowledge, a hub for learning and innovation, where we nurture and develop the next generation of engineering talent.
There are opportunities at Barrow for your work to extend beyond engineering and make a meaningful difference in a number of ways.
Here are some ways we’re making a difference. If ‘giving back’ is as important to you as it is to us, then there’s plenty of opportunity to also contribute to making a social and economic impact within the area:
Community Engagement: We regularly support community projects and events. Previous initiatives have included the Festival of Colours, the Love Barrow Awards and the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.
Our colleagues also come together to donate Christmas presents for children who would benefit most in the local area.
Skills development: If sharing your expertise to support the talent of tomorrow is important to you, you could also contribute to skill-building and professional growth within the community by participating in some of our community initiatives such as:
- Participating in education outreach provision to local schools and colleges, positively impacting the lives of residents. Our STEM Ambassadors have provided thousands of hours of support to young people in schools and colleges.
- Our new Careers Inspiration Hub in Portland Walk will play a significant role in accelerating the delivery of learning to our growing early careers population, as well as supporting the skills needs for our existing workforce.
- Barrow Learning Quarter, which includes a university campus on Barrow Island to attract and retain skilled graduates within the town. It also includes a number of Community Resilience Hubs, providing an opportunity for local people to develop skills, access services and come together to build thriving communities.
Job creation and submarine technology: BAE Systems is a major player in submarine construction and our intention is to substantially grow our workforce over the next 20 years.
By working on our advanced vessels, you’ll directly impact national security and defence capabilities in order to meet the needs of the nation’s submarine programmes.
Environment and climate change: Solving the problem of climate change requires all of us to act together. Our approach to climate resilience includes both assessment of physical and strategic impacts on our own sites and operations.
Plus the development of a wider decarbonisation strategy that encompasses the transition plan and sector net zero roadmaps.
Supply chain - social impact: We know our operations create a ripple effect, so we always look to maximise positive impact through our procurement.
We work with our current suppliers to support the communities in which we operate and help local Small to Medium size Enterprises (SMEs) to develop their capacity and capability.
All our roles play a part in the bigger picture. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact, at BAE Systems we offer a platform to do just that.
Barrow shipyard provides a variety of career paths such as:
Watch our window into Barrow video here
Learn more about BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness
If you’re interested in living and working for BAE Systems in Barrow-In-Furness, take a look at our Barrow location page. You can also learn more about BAE Systems’ role within the community, and the town’s shipbuilding history in our two part heritage guide.