The UK government has awarded 80 million pounds ($107 million) to 24 universities and colleges across England to expand defense-related education programs and increase the pipeline of skilled workers for the country’s defense industry.
As part of the package, 50 million pounds ($66 million) will fund 2,500 additional university places over the next five years in subjects linked to defense industry workforce shortages.
These include cybersecurity, robotic and autonomous systems, aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and computer science.
Universities and colleges will use the funding to expand existing courses, launch new degree programs, and increase opportunities for students to work with defense companies through placements and industry projects.
A further 30 million pounds ($40 million) will support the construction and expansion of teaching facilities, laboratories, and technical training spaces needed to accommodate higher student numbers over the coming decade.
The grants were awarded through a competitive process that attracted 112 applications.
Selected institutions will begin expanding enrollment from the upcoming academic year.
Defense Skills Package
The funding represents the largest allocation within the UK government’s 182-million-pound ($243 million) defense skills package.
Under the broader initiative, 50 million pounds ($66 million) is allocated to establish five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in Blackpool, Plymouth, Lincoln, Rotherham, and Yeovil.
The colleges will provide vocational and technical training for defense manufacturing, engineering, and industrial roles.
As part of the wider effort, the government said it supported more than 24,000 apprenticeships across the UK last year to help expand the sector’s workforce.
