UK defence sector gets £182m skills boost with new training hubs
The Ministry of Defence has outlined plans to expand defence-related apprenticeships as part of a wider effort to strengthen the sector's skills base.
Responding to a written question from DUP MP Jim Shannon, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said the department is already supporting around 25,000 apprentices across the UK, alongside a broader workforce of more than 460,000 jobs linked to defence.
"The Ministry of Defence already supports over 460,000 jobs and 25,000 apprentices across the UK, providing sustainable, high-quality, well-paying jobs," he said.
Pollard pointed to a £182 million skills package announced alongside the Defence Industrial Strategy, aimed at boosting training and career pathways into the sector.
This includes plans to establish five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in England, designed to develop specialist skills for defence roles, as well as the creation of an Apprenticeship and Graduate Clearing System to help match candidates with opportunities.
