Resort MP Chris Webb hails Blackpool & the Fylde College's 'centre of excellence in defence training' status.
“This investment is a huge vote of confidence in Blackpool”
Blackpool South MP Chris Webb has welcomed the announcement of a major MoD investment in the resort which will bring vital skills training for the defence sector.
It comes after confirmation that Blackpool and the Fylde College has been chosen as one of five Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in England, supported by £50 million in funding between them – £10 million for Blackpool.
Blackpool & The Fylde College is a strong fit for the programme, with expertise in key defence areas including combat air, nuclear programmes, drones and cyber, alongside strong links with local defence employers.
This marks the second major investment by the Ministry of Defence in Blackpool, following the department’s decision to bring 1,000 jobs to the area through a new town-centre office development.
Mr Webb, who has repeatedly raised job creation with the Ministry of Defence in Parliament, says the announcement delivers on a commitment made by the government in the Defence Industrial Strategy.
He said: “This investment is a huge vote of confidence in Blackpool and in the talent of our young people. Becoming a Defence Technical Excellence College puts Blackpool & The Fylde College at the heart of the UK’s future defence workforce.
“It’s a massive opportunity for local people to gain the skills they need for well-paid, high-quality jobs, while strengthening our local economy and supporting national security. I’m proud to see Blackpool leading the way.”
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, who made the first announcement yesterday during a visit to the B&FC site in Bispham, said: “Labour is making defence an engine for growth, and critical to that is ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers for the good, unionised jobs in the sector.
“We are backing young people across England today with a £50 million investment in Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, delivering on the promises made in the Defence Industrial Strategy. This is the Labour Government delivering for the country and delivering for defence.”
DTECs will be based at existing further education colleges recognised for providing ‘technical excellence’ and high-quality, defence-focused education.