The Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority (DTCCA), Devon County Council (DCC) and Torbay Council (TC) welcome the announcement that City College Plymouth has been designated as one of the wave 2 Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (TEC).
The appointment forms part of the government’s £175 million Technical Excellence Colleges programme, which is designed to equip people with the specialist skills needed to support local growth and national priority sectors. City College Plymouth’s designation recognises its growing importance within the Defence Industrial Strategy and its strong links with defence employers.
As a Defence TEC, City College Plymouth 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. Dedicated investment will enable the College to expand training capacity, drive curriculum innovation, and accelerate skills development in critical sectors such as nuclear, naval maintenance, marine autonomy, cyber and advanced manufacturing.
City College Plymouth becomes the second institution in the region to achieve TEC status, following Exeter College, which was recognised as a Construction Technical Excellence College last year.
Paul Fanshawe, Executive for Business Intelligence, Growth and Skills at City College Plymouth and Member of the DTCCA Skills and Employment Advisory Group said:
“We are incredibly proud to be designated as a Defence Technical Excellence College. This recognition reflects the strength of our existing provision, our deep links with defence employers, and our commitment to equipping learners with the high‑level technical skills that industry needs.
“As a Defence TEC, 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.”
Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council and Chair of the DTCCA, said:
“This designation is excellent news for City College Plymouth and for our region. Becoming a Defence Technical Excellence College recognises the vital role the College plays in supporting the UK’s defence sector and developing the high‑value skills our economy needs. This investment will help ensure young people across Devon and Torbay can access world‑class training, strengthen local supply chains and unlock high‑quality jobs as part of our shared ambition for inclusive growth.”
Cllr Julian Brazil, Leader of DCC and Vice-Chair of the DTCCA said:
“City College Plymouth’s designation as a Defence Technical Excellence College is a major boost for skills, jobs and investment across Devon and Torbay. It underlines the strength of our colleges and their alignment with national priority sectors, while ensuring local people are equipped with the specialist skills employers need now and in the future.”