Marvin OnumonuBabcock International Group is set to lead a new science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) pilot in Plymouth as part of the Government’s £182m national skills drive.
The pilot is included in the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), which aims to address skills shortages in engineering, cyber and other defence sectors.
Details of the pilot were announced at Babcock’s Engineering Skills: Powering UK Defence event in Parliament.
Babcock will run a series of STEM activities for local schools, focusing on those with little or no previous STEM involvement.
The Plymouth pilot will act as a model for regional STEM programmes in the UK, showing the benefits of industry-led engagement in areas with high defence activity.
STEM sessions are due to start in March or April 2026 and will run until the end of the academic year in July 2026.
Neil Young, global engineering capability director at Babcock, is leading the pilot.
Young said: “The world needs more engineers and we need them now. 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.
“Our mission is to break down barriers and make engineering accessible, available and within reach of every schoolchild in the country.”
