Together with the University of Plymouth, we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise our strategic partnership, strengthening collaboration in support of skills development, innovation and sustainable economic growth for Plymouth and the wider South West.
The MoU reflects a shared commitment to attracting students to study in Plymouth, enhancing the student experience, promoting routes into employment, addressing future workforce requirements and attracting further investment into the city. It also ensures that the wider benefits of defence investment are felt across the city and its communities.
The signing follows the UK Government’s designation of Plymouth as the National Centre of Marine Autonomy, alongside the UK Defence Growth Deal announcement in September 2025, which saw the establishment of Team Plymouth, a collaborative approach with defence investment serving as a catalyst for wider economic prosperity across the city. Together, these milestones are expected to create significant opportunities for collaboration across skills, research and innovation – areas where Babcock and the University of Plymouth already demonstrate strong alignment and shared ambition.
John Gane, Managing Director of Babcock’s Devonport facility said:“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with the university to drive innovation and tackle the skills gap head-on. By creating opportunities that attract talented students to study in Plymouth and providing clear pathways into employment, we are investing in the current and future workforce, while supporting the growth of our city. Together, education and industry are working hand in hand to deliver real impact for our communities.”
Professor Richard Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Plymouth, said: “We have enjoyed a close connection to Babcock for many years, and it has generated countless opportunities for our staff, students and graduates. This agreement takes that work to a new level and demonstrates a shared commitment to working together to boost the UK’s security and resilience in sectors including defence, energy and business management. But it also goes beyond our two organisations, potentially benefitting our entire city and region and everyone living, working and learning within it.”
The MoU builds on an expanding portfolio of successful collaboration already underway. Recent examples include the development of a co-created module for those wanting to succeed in the nuclear industry – available to University students and our employees – and the creation of a Project Manager Degree Apprenticeship.
We have also secured joint funding from the Royal Society to deliver a programme of STEM outreach to schools across the South West. This initiative sees the University delivering in-school computer coding programmes, while we offer structured work experience opportunities at our Devonport dockyard facility.