Nearly 100 college students from across Lancashire recently attended the MoD ‘Big Bang’ event at the University of Cumbria’s Barrow campus, gaining first-hand insight into careers in engineering, defence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.
The event, delivered in partnership with the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub, is part of a wider project supporting over 300 students in industry-focused experiences. Students from Blackpool Sixth Form College, Blackpool & Fylde College, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Runshaw College, and Preston College participated in four interactive workshops:
- Royal Navy workshop: Exploring how submarines operate and their role in defence.
- BAE Systems session: Examining submarine design and construction.
- University of Cumbria engineering workshop: Led by academics on materials and engineering.
- Robotics workshop: Showcasing technologies and innovation by the National College for Nuclear and Clean Energy.
The event aimed to connect classroom learning with real-world industry applications, highlighting opportunities in defence, engineering, and technology. Representatives from partner organisations shared career insights, discussed apprenticeships and higher education, and answered students' questions.
Stan Mcloughlin, Royal Navy: “The Royal Navy’s Specialist Attraction Team was proud to be hosted by the University of Cumbria… Events like this are vital in helping us connect with the next generation.”
Giselle Reis, Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub: “Seeing students actively engage with employers and explore future career pathways reinforced the importance of this type of enrichment activity… helping to build their confidence, broaden aspirations, and develop skills for future careers in cyber, defence, and advanced engineering.”
Jack Todd, University of Cumbria: “Events like this give young people the opportunity to experience first-hand how the skills they develop in education can lead to exciting careers in industries shaping the future.”
This collaboration between education providers and industry partners supports the development of future talent across the region.
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