Telford College is ready to “play its part” in developing the next generation of skilled workers, as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting launched the UK’s first large-calibre gun barrel production facility in 20 years.

The Rheinmetall UK site in Telford supports 100 highly skilled jobs with hundreds more across the supply chain and was officially opened at an event on Thursday, attended by the college.

Mr Streeting told guests: “Every pound we invest in defence should be judged by what it does for Britain. Does it strengthen our industrial base? Does it push the frontier of innovation? Does it create skilled work, especially for young people? Over the next decade, this facility will emphatically answer yes to all those questions.”   

Telford College Principal and CEO Lawrence Wood met Mr Streeting with Telford MP Shaun Davies, whom the Defence Secretary described as “Telford’s greatest champion on the national and international stage”.

Mr Wood said: “It was a privilege to be there representing Telford College and to meet the Defence Secretary. As a delivery partner in the Midlands Defence Technical Excellence College, we are ready to play our part in developing the next generation of skilled workers.

“The Secretary of State was clear that defence investment must create skilled work for young people and that is exactly what we are focused on as a college.

“We are already working closely with employers in the sector and the supply chain to make sure young people in Telford & Wrekin have the skills to take up the opportunities being created on their doorstep.”

Shaun Davies MP added: “Telford has an important part to play in supporting the future of the defence industry after decades of contribution, and this visit was a reminder of the opportunities this brings for our young people and local businesses.

“Telford College’s development as a partner in the Defence Technical Excellence College, part of a £50 million package of Government investment, will help provide young people with the skills and training needed to build careers in the defence industry.”

The college already works with employers across the defence supply chain, including Kuehne+Nagel, a key MOD logistics and fulfilment contractor based in Telford.

The college is also investing in its Wellington campus to expand its high-tech technical training and is a member of the West Midlands Regional Defence and Security Cluster.

Mr Wood added: “As part of the cluster, we are aligning what we offer with the needs of employers, including the Ministry of Defence and supply chain and logistics partners.”

Rheinmetall UK’s gun hall manufactures barrels and breeches for 120mm and 155mm weapon systems. It went from an empty site to full production in eight months, and the company will expand its workforce as production ramps up.