In order to support and enhance national security, and as part of their commitment to sustaining increased defence spending, the UK government has announced an £80mn investment in defence skills. Building a defence workforce with effective skills training is a key priority for the government and the sector. The defence sector itself supports 460,000 jobs, with apprenticeships and graduate opportunities offering entry level routes. The MOD is responsible for the largest contribution of apprenticeships in the UK, last year providing over 24,000 – benefiting both young people and the country’s future security. Amongst fluctuating global tensions, how can investment in defence skills play a key role in strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities?

This event will:

• Consider how the government’s £80bn investment in the defence skills boost should be distributed to maximise the beneficial effects for the sector and wider economy.
• Explore the alternative routes into the defence sector to create a skilled and diverse workforce and strengthen future national security.
• Discuss the wider impact of defence skills investment for national and local economies.