Rotherham set to ‘drive defence as engine for growth’
RNN Group in Rotherham is set to be part of the country's “engine for growth” after being selected as a Technical Excellence College specialising in defence.
The college group – which incorporates Rotherham College, University Centre Rotherham, Dearne Valley College and North Notts College – is one of 19 new TECs in total across the country, backed by £175million of government funding.
A spokesperson for the Department for Education said the chosen colleges “will deliver high-quality training in some the main sectors at the heart of Britain’s industrial strategy – advanced manufacturing, clean energy and defence, as well as digital and technologies.”
Rotherham is one of just five defence TECs announced in the country – alongside Blackpool and The Fylde, Plymouth, Lincoln, and Yeovil.
The DfE spokesperson said: “The new Technical Excellence Colleges will equip young people with the high-level technical skills needed to access well-paid, high-skilled jobs, giving them a clear route from education into work.
“It’s estimated that almost 600,000 additional workers will be needed by 2030 in these key sectors, underlining the scale of demand for skills and further training in these critical industries.
“Strategically located across the country, including in Yorkshire, the newly awarded Technical Excellence Colleges have been selected to align with local industry demand, helping drive regional growth and train a skilled workforce where it is needed most.
“The defence sector is vital to maintaining the security of the UK and forms an important part of the nation's economy.
“The latest figures show nearly £32billion is spent annually with the defence industry in the UK, backing more than 270,000 jobs across the country and making defence an engine for growth.
Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP said: “We are backing our outstanding Armed Forces by investing in the skills pipeline that delivers world-class equipment to them.
“These Defence Technical Excellence Colleges will help boost students’ expertise in engineering, advanced manufacturing, technology and much more, meeting industry need as we grow Britain’s industrial base with the highest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War.
“Our support for these colleges will drive defence as an engine for growth across the country while providing fantastic opportunities to students to learn the skills of the future, helping them embark on well-paid and meaningful careers that keep Britain and our allies safe.”
Jason Austin, chief executive officer and principal, RNN Group, said: “This is a significant moment for RNN Group and for the regions we serve – securing this bid demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the provision of high-quality technical education.
“We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to deliver a step change in how defence skills are developed.
“By collaborating closely with SYMCA and EMCCA and our local educational partners and institutions, we are ensuring the development of high-level skills in this area.”
Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said: “I’m extremely pleased that the excellent education provided by the RNN Group is being recognised by this government award.
“This award gives the young people of Rotherham the chance of a career in defence – a well-paid, highly sought after role.
“We deserve these opportunities and I am glad this investment is being made – it will be life-changing for many.”
The government backing brings together £97million from the Department for Education, £50million from the Ministry of Defence and £28million from the Department for Business and Trade to deliver the skilled workforce needed in Britain’s fastest-growing industries.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “I want every young person to know there is a clear route into well paid work, whatever their background.
“These colleges put technical skills front and centre, opening up high quality jobs in the industries driving Britain’s future.
“We are backing talent across the country, strengthening our workforce and making sure opportunity is built into the system – not left to chance.”