UK to build five technical colleges to train defense workers

The UK will invest £182 million ($246 million) to create five technical colleges focused on training workers for defense jobs. This initiative aims to develop submarine engineers, cyber warfare specialists, and welders. It will also provide short courses to help employers quickly upskill staff in critical technical areas. Applications will open later this year, with colleges expected to launch in 2026.

Defense Secretary John Healey described it as “the biggest defense skills plan in decades.” Keir Starmer's Labour government plans to present its defense industrial strategy soon, emphasizing significant military spending growth. Starmer aims to increase military expenditure to 3.5% of GDP by 2035, including university investments.