Babcock: Building behaviours that last

At Skern Skills, we believe that the most valuable learning happens when people are challenged, supported and encouraged to reflect on their experiences. That's why we're proud to partner with Babcock and Gen Healthy Minds, delivering residential behavioural development programmes that help apprentices build the confidence and professional behaviours they need to succeed throughout their careers.

Since 2022, Skern Skills has partnered with Babcock to deliver behavioural development programmes to apprentices across multiple divisions nationwide. From an initial cohort of 60 learners in 2022, the partnership has grown significantly, with 490 apprentices taking part this year and 650 learners provisionally booked for 2027. This sustained growth reflects the strength of the partnership and Babcock's continued investment in developing the behaviours and skills that apprentices need to succeed.

This year, apprentices from across Babcock's various sectors have taken part in 3–5 day residential programmes designed to develop the behaviours at the heart of their apprenticeship standards, whilst bringing to life the values and ethos of Babcock. Delivered in Scotland, the Peak District, Cumbria and at one of our sister brand centres in North Devon, the programmes combine practical outdoor challenges, facilitated reflection and expert coaching to help apprentices explore how resilience, communication, teamwork and professionalism translate directly into the workplace.

The impact is reflected in the feedback. 93% per cent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that their learning at Skern was impactful, with many leaving having exceeded their own expectations and gaining greater confidence in their abilities. Leader feedback has remained equally impressive, achieving a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 100 throughout the partnership.

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Why Babcock chose Skern Skills

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Babcock's decision to introduce the residential programme was driven by a commitment to providing development opportunities across both its graduate and apprenticeship programmes. As part of its wider Generation Healthy Minds Behavioural Development Programme, Babcock wanted apprentices to experience learning beyond the workplace, giving them the opportunity to develop essential behaviours while building connections with colleagues from across the business.

"There was a big focus on ensuring that we offer developmental opportunities for both our graduate and apprenticeship programmes. The residential gives our apprentices the chance to develop these skills in a setting outside of their daily work and interact with apprentices from across the business."

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Learning through experience

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The programme focuses on practical experiences that challenge apprentices to step outside their comfort zones in a safe, supportive environment. Working together through outdoor activities, apprentices develop behaviours that are critical to both their apprenticeship and their future careers, including:

• Professionalism

• Adaptability

• Resilience

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Consideration for others

• Confidence

What makes the programme unique is the way every activity is linked back to the workplace.

"The Skern trainers make the connection between the activity and how this can be applied into the workplace. That's what really stands out."

Rather than simply completing challenges, apprentices are encouraged to reflect on what they've learned, how they responded under pressure and how they can apply those lessons when they return to work.

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A partnership built on trust

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From planning through to delivery, Babcock describes the relationship with the Skern team as one of the programme's greatest strengths.

"The team are amazing. Everyone is very professional, helpful, accommodating and always has an upbeat, happy demeanour. This never wavers from planning through to delivery."

By working closely with employers, Skern ensures every programme complements organisational objectives while creating an engaging and memorable experience for participants.

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Lasting impact back in the workplace

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For Babcock apprentices, the benefits continue long after the residential ends. Because apprentices rotate into new teams every four to six months, adaptability and confidence are essential. The residential provides an opportunity to practise these behaviours in unfamiliar situations, making transitions into new placements much smoother. Babcock has also seen apprentices push themselves further than expected.

"More apprentices pushed their boundaries and overcame their anxiety and pre-nerve jitters than I thought they would."

The programme offers something difficult to recreate in a workplace setting: the opportunity to safely stretch personal limits while learning through shared experiences and having fun. Participant feedback consistently reflects the impact of the programme, with many highlighting the confidence they gained, the relationships they built and the practical skills they took back into the workplace.

"Thank you very much. I've been able to build relationships with the participants with the tasks given and also had lots of fun getting involved too!"

"Fantastic experience – would recommend."

"Hamish was brilliant – really helpful and whenever any part was difficult, he would help and support us. He also highlighted feedback for anyone doing well, which made me feel good."

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Supporting long-term development

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The residential programme fits seamlessly into Babcock's wider approach to apprenticeship development.

Rather than replacing workplace learning, it reinforces and accelerates it, helping apprentices return with greater self-awareness, stronger relationships and increased confidence to contribute to their teams.

As Babcock explains:

"The work done by Skern intertwines really well with our overall goals for the development of apprentices."

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A recommendation to other employers

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When asked what they would say to organisations considering a residential programme with Skern Skills, the response was unequivocal.

"I would 100% endorse it. So many participants get so much out of it, sometimes without them even realising it at first."

That endorsement is echoed by programme leaders, who have praised both the quality of delivery and the way the residential experience supports apprentices to step outside their comfort zones while developing behaviours they can apply back in the workplace.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and seeing the learners step out of their comfort zones. We had a mixed bag of weather, from blazing sunshine to wind and rain, but all of the instructors were amazing: professional, informative, encouraging and highly supportive. You can see the passion they all have for their work."

"The way physical activities were combined with classroom-based learning was excellent. Giving learners the opportunity to lead tasks was a valuable developmental point for them."

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Looking ahead

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We're incredibly proud to work alongside the Babcock Apprenticeship Development Programme, which is also supported by Gen Healthy Minds, in developing the next generation of engineering and technical talent. By combining experiential learning, reflection and expert facilitation, we're helping apprentices develop behaviours that last well beyond their apprenticeship—equipping them with the confidence, resilience and professionalism they'll carry throughout their careers. We'd like to thank Babcock and all of their apprentices for their enthusiasm, commitment and willingness to embrace every challenge. We look forward to continuing this partnership and supporting many more apprentices on their development journey.

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