£10 million boost for defence as City College Plymouth becomes a centre of excellence
The status and investment will help locals access well paid and skilled jobs
City College Plymouth is getting £10 million after being named a centre of excellence for the defence industry.
The decision comes after the city was designated as an area to develop things like underwater drones on top of its role supporting HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe.
Jackie Grubb is chief exec of the college and said: "We don't just serve Plymouth. We serve the region of the Great South West but also we've got many partners across the UK - and we support colleges and stakeholders in Australia so this is global and helps put Plymouth on the world stage."
She says the investment will allow the college to work closely with industry to ensure students have the required skills to thrive in specialised and technical defence industries - whilst also helping people access well paid and highly sought after roles.
"It will give us funding to be able to support people into good jobs but at the same time to enhance our facilities and to enhance our resources too," she said.
The DTEC status, as it's known, enables it to operate as a 'national hub of excellence, leading a network of delivery partners, employers and education providers'.
Ms Grubb added: "It recognises the strength of our partnerships with industry and our track record in delivering the specialist skills required to support national defence priorities.
"The DTEC will expand training capacity, drive curriculum innovation, and accelerate skills development in critical areas including nuclear, naval maintenance, marine autonomy, cyber and advanced manufacturing.
"The award reflects Plymouth’s strategic importance to the UK’s defence capability. The city plays a vital role in sustaining the Royal Navy fleet and the continuous at sea deterrent."
Robert Halfon, Executive Director of Make UK said: “This designation is a watershed moment for Plymouth and the wider South West. Congratulations to City College Plymouth and its industry partners.
"By becoming a Defence Technical Excellence College, the College, alongside its partners in this venture, will be at the frontline supporting the UK’s defence skills needs. The DTEC will bridge the critical skills gap in advanced manufacturing, marine robotics, and nuclear engineering."
John Gane, Managing Director of Babcock’s Devonport facility said: “The award of DTEC status to City College Plymouth is a significant milestone, recognising its commitment to delivering high-quality, defence focused, technical education.
"As one of the largest employers in Plymouth, Babcock is proud to continue working in close partnership with the College to develop the highly skilled workforce the UK depends on, aligned to evolving operational needs and industry. This achievement further strengthens a collaborative, regional approach to defence and nuclear skills.”
Neil Skelland, Chair of the South West Regional Defence & Security Cluster said: “City College Plymouth becoming a Defence Technical Excellence College reflects its vital role at the heart of a nationally significant defence ecosystem."