University of Cumbria secures £4m to bolster UK defence sector skills
Government funding to enhance engineering and tech education
The University of Cumbria has received nearly £4 million in government funding aimed at addressing the UK's defence sector skills shortages.
Among 24 winners chosen from 112 applicants, the university stands as one of two institutions from the Northwest selected in a competition run by the Office for Students for the Ministry of Defence.
This funding is a recognition of the university's contributions to national defence priorities and regional economic growth.
The investment is split between programme and capital funding to support the creation of 277 student places in fields such as engineering, robotics, and computer science.
The initial portion of the funding is set to be released in July to immediately commence recruitment and programme delivery.
Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Cumbria, expressed excitement over the investment, highlighting the university's collaborative efforts with industry leaders like BAE Systems to build a pipeline from education to high-value defence careers.
The funding includes £1.94 million for programme delivery spread across five academic years, alongside £1.86 million for capital investments.
These resources will allow the university to expand its defence-relevant degree offerings, ensuring graduates possess industry-required skills, particularly within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.
The project promotes Barrow as a centre for advanced skills and innovation, working with partners such as BAE Systems and Defence Nuclear Enterprise organisations.
A notable aspect is the Barrow Future Force model, which links students directly with employers, offering mentorship, project work, career guidance, and placements.
Additionally, capital funding will bolster infrastructure pertinent to robotics, digital technologies, and advanced manufacturing.
Overall, the initiative aims to strengthen the region's capacity to meet national skills priorities and enhance the defence skills pipeline.