After a rigorous national bidding process, City College Plymouth has been successful as one of only five further education colleges across the UK to be awarded Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC) status, marking a significant milestone for the College, the city and the wider South West region. The status is underpinned by government investment of approximately £10million.
This prestigious designation recognises the College’s exceptional leadership delivering high quality technical education aligned to national defence priorities, and its critical role in supporting the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the development of a highly skilled workforce.
As a DTEC, City College will operate as a national hub of excellence, leading a network of delivery partners, employers and education providers, including the University of Plymouth and others locally, regionally and nationally. 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. Home to HMNB Devonport, the largest naval base in Western Europe and the UK’s only nuclear submarine maintenance facility, the city plays a vital role in sustaining the Royal Navy fleet and the Continuous At Sea Deterrent. DTEC status will further strengthen the city’s position as a centre of excellence for defence skills and workforce development.
For the wider region, DTEC will drive increased access to high quality technical education, create clear progression pathways into well paid defence careers, and support economic growth by aligning skills provision with employer demand. It will also help address critical workforce shortages, ensuring the defence sector can scale and sustain capability at pace.
Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive of City College Plymouth, said: “Being selected as a Defence Technical Excellence College is a proud moment for City College and for Plymouth. It recognises the strength of our partnerships with industry and our track record in delivering the specialist skills required to support national defence priorities.
“As a DTEC, we will play a leading role in shaping the future defence workforce, working collaboratively with partners to expand opportunity, strengthen technical education, and ensure the UK has the skills it needs to deliver critical defence capability now and in the future.”
Read the full story here: City College Plymouth Awarded National Defence Technical Excellence College Status – City College Plymouth
