Blackpool and The Fylde College has been named as one of five new national hubs for defence training, marking a significant investment in the town’s educational and economic future. The announcement, made on 14 April 2026, designates the local institution as a Defence Technical Excellence College, making it the only centre of its kind in the North West.
The new status follows a visit to the college’s Bispham campus by Luke Pollard, the Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence. The initiative is part of a £175 million government programme designed to address a growing demand for skilled workers in areas such as engineering, nuclear technology, and cyber security. It is estimated that nearly 600,000 additional workers will be needed across these industries by 2030.
Blackpool and The Fylde College was selected for the role due to its existing expertise in combat air, drones, and nuclear programmes. To deliver the new high-level training, the college will work alongside partners including Lancaster University, the University of Central Lancashire, and the North West Regional Defence and Security Cluster.
This development aligns with broader regeneration plans for the area, including the Silicon Sands digital tech hub and the new Multiversity site. The designation represents a significant investment from the government in Blackpool, as the town continues to grow its role in the national defence industrial strategy.
Alun Francis, the principal and chief executive of the college, is leading the institution as it integrates this national defence programme into its existing offerings. The broader national project aims to support approximately 65,000 learners as part of a wider effort to increase defence and technical investment across the country.
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