I’m delighted to welcome significant new government investment in the University of Exeter, which has been awarded more than £6.3 million to expand training and education in some of the most important skills our country needs for the future.
This funding will help the University offer more places on specialist courses, improve facilities, and give more students access to the high-quality training needed for careers in defence, security, engineering and advanced technology.
It is fantastic news for Exeter, for our students, and for the wider South West economy.
The funding forms part of a wider Labour Government investment in strengthening Britain’s defence skills pipeline and ensuring that we have the workforce needed to meet future challenges. Across the South West, universities and colleges will receive more than £21 million, with the University of Exeter securing a substantial share of that investment.
The defence sector is not only vital to our national security, it is also a major source of skilled jobs, innovation and economic growth. Careers in areas such as cyber security, robotics, software development, advanced manufacturing and aerospace engineering offer exciting opportunities for young people while helping to strengthen the UK’s resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Investment in Exeter
The University of Exeter’s project will expand its computing and engineering provision, giving more students access to hands-on learning and stronger links with industry. That means more practical experience, better pathways into employment and closer collaboration between education providers and employers.
The investment will also fund new and upgraded facilities, including virtual and extended reality simulation technology, Internet of Things laboratories, and enhanced engineering spaces for robotics and autonomous systems.
Opportunities for young people
Whether students ultimately go on to work in defence, cyber security, engineering, technology, manufacturing or other advanced industries, the skills developed through these programmes will open doors to rewarding and well-paid careers. By investing in education and training now, we are helping to ensure that Exeter remains at the forefront of innovation and opportunity in the years ahead.
This funding also reflects a broader commitment from the Government to put skills at the centre of economic growth and national security. Building a stronger country means investing not only in equipment and infrastructure, but also in people.
Exeter is fortunate to be home to a world-class university with a strong reputation for research, innovation and industry collaboration. This investment will benefit students, strengthen our local economy and help ensure that Exeter continues to play a leading role in shaping the industries of the future.
