Scotland's Secretary of State Douglas Alexander visited the Navantia Fife shipyard, where a ceremony welcomed a new cohort of apprentices joining the facility's production programme. Young specialists will be involved in the construction of three Fleet Solid Support class vessels, which are intended for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. These vessels provide combat ships with fuel, ammunition and other necessary resources at sea. During his visit, Alexander toured the shipyard's production facilities and spoke with apprentices, emphasising the importance of the training programme for developing Scotland's shipbuilding industry. The supply vessel construction project is regarded as a significant contribution to supporting the defence industry and creating jobs in the Fife region. The apprenticeship programme at Navantia Fife aims to train qualified specialists who will be able to apply their skills in the long term, ensuring the facility's sustainable development. The construction of vessels for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary is part of a broader strategy to modernise Britain's naval supply operations.