We're proud to be chosen by Ministry of Defence as one of just five new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges

Blackpool and The Fylde College (B&FC) has been named one of just five new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (TEC) by the Ministry of Defence, marking a significant boost in national investment in skills development.

The announcement followed a visit to B&FC’s Bispham campus by Luke Pollard, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, who met with learners, apprentices, staff, and partners to formally confirm the designation.

The recognition forms part of a £175 million Government initiative aimed at strengthening skills in key growth sectors, including defence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, digital technologies, and more.

Alun Francis, Chief Executive of Blackpool and The Fylde College, said: “We are proud to be designated as a Defence Technical Excellence College for the North West. This represents a significant opportunity to contribute to national security while also supporting our learners across further and higher education, alongside employers and the wider defence supply chain.

“Given the growing importance of the defence sector, it is vital that we continue to strengthen skills pipelines in key areas such as engineering, nuclear and cyber security. Defence also drives innovation and we are excited to be working with an expanded network of partners to enhance provision, support workforce development and contribute further towards both regional economic growth and national capability.”

Developing high-level technical skills

The programme will provide high-quality training for around 65,000 learners across sectors critical to the UK’s future economy. Nationally, up to 600,000 additional workers are expected to be needed in priority industries by 2030. As a Defence TEC, B&FC will play a central role in developing high-level technical skills to meet this growing demand.

The programme also aims to widen access to high-level technical education, supporting more young people to progress into advanced learning and skilled careers in their local area, while strengthening the role of technical routes alongside traditional academic pathways.

The college will collaborate with employers and partners across the defence sector to prepare learners for skilled roles in areas such as engineering, nuclear, and cyber security, supporting regional economic growth while bolstering national capabilities.

B&FC’s successful bid was developed with input from a wide network of colleges, universities, industry and public sector partners, including the North West Regional Defence and Security Cluster, Lancaster University, University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire Skills Hub, Wirral Met College, Lancashire and Cumbria Institute of Technology, Cumbria Combined Authority, Blackpool Council, Furness College, Team Barrow, and others.

Delivery is expected to begin this month with colleges acting as hubs of excellence and working in strong partnerships to raise standards across the sector.

‘Ambition for Blackpool to be a place where people can see clear opportunities for their future’

Cllr Lynn Williams, Leader of Blackpool Council, which endorsed the bid, said: “This is a major investment in Blackpool and the Fylde coast’s skills base. It aligns with our ambition for Blackpool to be a place where young people can train for quality jobs and build successful futures locally.”

“That vision will be supported by our commitment to creating high-quality employment opportunities, including through developments such as Silicon Sands, alongside investment in world-class education facilities like the Multiversity.

“This announcement supports our ambition for Blackpool to be a place where people can see clear opportunities for their future.”