Wirral Met College is proud to be part of a successful regional partnership that has secured approval for a new Defence Technical Excellence College (TEC) in the North West.
The bid, led by Blackpool and The Fylde College in collaboration with Furness College, Blackburn College and Wirral Met College, forms part of a national programme designed to strengthen skills provision in key sectors such as defence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technologies.
Backed by significant government investment, the Defence TEC initiative will play a vital role in developing the highly skilled workforce needed to support the UK’s future economic growth and national security.
As a key partner within a wider network of colleges, universities, industry leaders and public sector organisations, Wirral Met College contributed to the development of the successful bid, bringing its expertise in technical education, employer engagement and skills delivery to the collaboration.
Principal & CEO of Wirral Met College, Gill Banks, represented the college at the official announcement event held at Blackpool and The Fylde College, where the Minister of Defence Readiness and Industry, confirmed the five successful Defence TECs across the UK.
Gill Banks said:
“This is fantastic news for our region and a real testament to the strength of collaboration across further education, industry and the public sector. At Wirral Met, we are committed to delivering high-quality technical education that meets the needs of both learners and employers, and we are proud to have played a role in shaping this successful bid.
“The Defence TEC will create exciting new opportunities for people across the region to develop the skills needed in high-demand sectors such as engineering, nuclear and cyber security, while supporting employers to address critical skills gaps.”
This success reflects the power of partnership and a shared commitment to delivering high-quality technical education that meets the needs of both learners and employers. By working together, the consortium will help to create new opportunities for individuals to gain the skills required in high-demand industries, particularly in areas such as engineering, nuclear and cyber security.
For Wirral Met College, being part of this initiative reinforces its ongoing commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and experience needed to succeed in evolving industries. The college will play an important role in supporting the delivery of future-focused training, helping learners progress into rewarding careers while supporting employers to address critical skills gaps.
This achievement is not only a significant moment for the partnership, but also for the wider North West region - strengthening its position as a hub for innovation, technical excellence and workforce development.
Through continued collaboration, Wirral Met College looks forward to contributing to the long-term success of the Defence TEC, supporting both regional prosperity and national capability.