UK unveils defence education drive

The government has outlined a series of new education and training initiatives aimed at strengthening defence skills, supporting university partnerships, and expanding youth engagement through the Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

In a written response to Lord Naseby, Defence Minister Lord Coaker confirmed that the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education “recognise the vital work of Cadet Forces in schools” and continue to expand opportunities through the joint Cadet Expansion Programme (CEP).

According to Coaker, the number of school cadet units has risen significantly since 2012, with “around 60% now in the state sector” compared to 25% before the programme began.

He said the Strategic Defence Review recommends a “30% expansion of in-school and community-based Cadet Forces across the UK by 2030,” adding that this would mean an increase of 40,000 new cadets and “an investment of £70 million.” Coaker said the expansion aims to “provide skills and qualifications to young people from diverse backgrounds and support economic growth,” with work already underway to determine where the new units will be established.

Separately, Defence Minister Luke Pollard announced a series of measures under the Defence Industrial Strategy to boost education, apprenticeships, and research partnerships linked to the defence sector. Pollard confirmed that the Ministry is investing “£80 million in our world-leading universities so they can invest in cutting-edge facilities and expand places in defence-related courses, including in engineering and computer science disciplines.”

He added that the Ministry is also developing a new Apprenticeship and Graduate Clearing System in partnership with the Defence Industrial Joint Council, with launch dates to be confirmed. The system is intended to link graduates and apprentices directly with defence employers.

Pollard further outlined progress toward establishing a Defence Universities Alliance (DUA), which will “form a more strategic relationship between defence and the higher education sector to support national security and UK growth.” He said the Ministry has been working with Universities UK and has held workshops with vice-chancellors to develop the framework for the alliance.

To address long-term workforce needs, Pollard said the Ministry is directing investment toward national security sub-sectors including artificial intelligence, cyber, energetics, and shipbuilding. He stated that “five Defence Growth Deals are being established across the UK, backed by a £250 million investment,” while a further “£182 million is being invested to resolve skills challenges across the UK.”