From classrooms to capability: minister unveils £80m investment for defence courses
The Government is investing £80m in universities, colleges and other higher education providers to fund defence-related courses.
They will all be able to bid for a slice of the funding.
Defence Readiness & Industry Minister Luke Pollard told BFBS Forces News why the scheme was needed, saying: "We're investing more in our Armed Forces. We need the industry that stands behind the men and women in uniform to be stronger as well.
"And that's why we're announcing £80m for nearly 2,500 additional student places at universities, to create the skills that our defence industry needs to innovate, to deliver the latest technology that will keep our country safe and strengthen our Armed Forces."
The funding package was announced at the University of Portsmouth. The city is known as the home of the Royal Navy, but it also hosts a range of defence companies.
Mr Pollard toured some of the engineering and computing facilities at the university and spoke with some of the undergraduates.
"I think it's brilliant. It can only be a good thing," explained engineering student Matthew Llewellyn.
"It's amazing to invest in the next generation of engineers. I think that is one of the most important sectors right now, especially with the current climate. The changing world, the acceleration of technology. It can only be a good idea to invest in people's knowledge."
Josh Bennett-Santamaria, who's also studying engineering, said: "I feel like bringing more jobs, more industry into the UK, making us more self-sufficient, I think is definitely the way forward."
Some £50m will be used to fund around 2,400 new student places over six years.
A further £30m is being directed at improving university facilities, including building brand new teaching facilities to increase capacity over the next decade.
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
