The initiative aims to address skills gaps in engineering, cyber and other defence sectors. And a priority will be attracting those with little to no prior STEM engagement.
Neil Young, Babcock’s Global Engineering Capability Director, is leading the pilot.
“The world needs more engineers and we need them now,” said Young. “As a major UK defence company, Babcock delivers both employment and economic growth, investing in skills development and future talent across the UK and beyond.”
“Demand for sovereign engineering skills continues to soar and partnerships like this are vital in helping us to secure the skills and talent pipeline needed to underpin national security.”
Pilot
The pilot’s STEM sessions begin in March and continue until the end of the academic year, in July.
Babcock says it will will lead and coordinate a package of STEM engagement activities for local schools. And the Plymouth pilot should serve as a model for future UK regional STEM programmes.
The pilot is part of a wider package of investment under the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS).
Babcock
Details of the pilot were at a Babcock “Engineering Skills: Powering UK Defence” event in Parliament. The compnay cited research that 834,000 jobs are expected to be created in clean energy, defence, digital and housebuilding industries.
This is over the next five years. And it would bring the combined workforce across these sectors to 5.3 million by 2030.
“Our mission is to break down barriers and make engineering accessible, available and within reach of every schoolchild in the country,” added Young.
See also: Leonardo, Babcock among winners of AFBE UK awards 2025
