A sculpture designed for the 150th anniversary of Barrow Shipyard has gone on permanent display in Vickerstown Park.

Titled 'People. Product. Pride: 150 years of Barrow Shipyard', the creation was the product from BAE Systems Submarines apprentices.

The statue depicts Barrow’s shipbuilding heritage through the men and women who have worked there, the community which the business has served, and long-term partners, the Royal Navy.

Apprentice Designer Lewis Phillips said: “The 150th anniversary is a milestone that we will never get to see again, and to be given the opportunity to be a part of that and create this piece has been an honour.

“Having the knowledge that this will be around for generations to come and that we are all able to say we contributed towards this brings us a great sense of pride."

The Mail: BAE Systems Submarines apprentices unveil Barrow shipyards 150th anniversary sculpture at Vickerstown ParkBAE Systems Submarines apprentices unveil Barrow shipyards 150th anniversary sculpture at Vickerstown Park (Image: BAE Systems)

The project began during Barrow Shipyards’ 150th anniversary year in 2021 when 15 groups of first-year apprentices were tasked with coming up with a concept idea to pitch to a panel of judges.

The winning design group selected their preferred choice, which engineers and designers turned into a design, and operations colleagues transformed it into the finished product.

Operations Leader Rebecca McIlroy said: “It has been a pleasure to have been involved in the project and it is fantastic to see the finished piece, which I’m sure will be appreciated by the local community for many years to come.

“All the apprentices involved in the project have done an amazing job and should all be proud of themselves."

Some members of the winning team were present to witness the unveiling and echoed the same sentiment of pride at being involved.

“The statue symbolises Barrow Shipyard’s proud history and the close relationship we have had with the Barrow community for 150 years – a relationship which is set to continue for many years to come," Neil Doherty, the Project Manager of Social Impact, explained.

“It is a magnificent piece which has been designed and manufactured by current shipyard apprentices, acknowledging the talents of the present and future submarines workforce."