Babcock has signed a new strategic partnership agreement with the University of Plymouth aimed at strengthening skills development, employment pathways and long-term economic growth in the city, the company stated.
The agreement takes the form of a Memorandum of Understanding intended to formalise collaboration between the defence company and the university across education, innovation and workforce development, with a focus on supporting Plymouth and the wider South West.
According to the company, the partnership is designed to attract students to study in Plymouth, enhance the student experience, promote clearer routes into employment and help address future workforce requirements, while also supporting efforts to draw further investment into the city.
The signing follows the UK Government’s designation of Plymouth as the National Centre of Marine Autonomy and the announcement of the UK Defence Growth Deal in September 2025, which established Team Plymouth as a framework for aligning defence investment with wider regional economic activity.
John Gane, managing director of Babcock’s Devonport facility, said: “We are proud to strengthen our partnership with the university to drive innovation and tackle the skills gap head-on. By creating opportunities that attract talented students to study in Plymouth and providing clear pathways into employment, we are investing in the current and future workforce, while supporting the growth of our city. Together, education and industry are working hand in hand to deliver real impact for our communities.”
Professor Richard Davies, vice-chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said the agreement builds on an already established relationship between the two organisations. “This agreement takes that work to a new level and demonstrates a shared commitment to working together to boost the UK’s security and resilience in sectors including defence, energy and business management,” he said, adding that it could deliver wider benefits for the city and region.
The Memorandum of Understanding builds on existing collaboration, including the development of a jointly created module aimed at preparing participants for work in the nuclear industry, available to both university students and Babcock employees. The partners have also worked together to establish a Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
In addition, the organisations have secured joint funding from the Royal Society to support STEM outreach across the South West. The programme includes in-school computer coding initiatives delivered by the university, alongside structured work experience placements at Babcock’s Devonport dockyard, according to the company.
Go Babcock !!!
Great to see such active business building and forward thinking/planning.