Defence Secretary visits new University of Cumbria Barrow campus

Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL and Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Webster-Henderson OBE led the Right Honourable John Healey MP on a tour of the Buccleuch Dock Road campus with Janet Garner, BAE Systems Submarines Future Workforce Director.

The campus opened its doors a week ago welcoming its first students, a milestone made possible through the strategic partnership between University of Cumbria and BAE Systems Submarines that began in 2018. 

As core members of Team Barrow, they are helping to develop more skills for the BAE Systems' workforce and also deliver higher-level skills and broader university presence in and for Barrow – supporting the town’s people, infrastructure, economy and future. 

During this week's visit, Mr Healey toured specialist facilities including those for Mechanical Engineering and Nursing students. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "This campus is a great vote of confidence in Barrow from Cumbria University, providing fresh opportunities for young people in the area. 

"The defence industry is looking to Cumbria University to help with fresh skills and talent, keeping Britain at the leading edge of innovation, technology and manufacturing." 

Above: Defence Secretary John Healey chats with academics from the university's Institute of Business, Industry and Leadership

The campus is the largest project in the Brilliant Barrow Town Deal and will help meet immediate and future skills needs for defence, nuclear and allied health sectors as well as act as part of University of Cumbria’s role as an anchor institution for place-based, regional growth. 

From undergraduate programmes and degree apprenticeships to continuing professional development (CPD) and doctoral training, the University of Cumbria is supporting new entrants and upskilling the existing workforce in areas such as project management, supply chain and logistics, mechanical engineering, and computer science. 

With provision employer-informed and impact-driven, the university works with a range of employers including BAE Systems and regional NHS health trusts. Many students are already embedded in the workforce too, therefore contributing to the productivity and innovation across the area. 

The University of Cumbria is also addressing labour supply cold spots through its initiatives like the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, in partnership with Imperial College London. Supporting the NHS locally and nationally, the university also offers pathways for Armed Forces medical personnel into civilian healthcare roles. 

In addition to the Defence Secretary’s tour of its newest campus, the University of Cumbria also proudly participated in the visit to Barrow-in-Furness by His Majesty King Charles III, held to celebrate the Royal Charter being bestowed upon the Port of Barrow. 

Vice Chancellor Professor Julie Mennell DL and Mechanical Engineering student Scarlett Southcott were among those in The Bridge to speak with the King during his engagement. 

Above: His Majesty King Charles speaking to University of Cumbria Mechanical Engineering student Scarlett Southcott

Professor Mennell DL said: “It was a privilege to introduce one of our pioneering Mechanical Engineering cohort Scarlett to the King; she is an 18-year-old student from this area, and hearing her articulate to him how she’s enjoying it and what it means for her and about her delivering against her ambitions here in Barrow. That is quite something and an example of what we’ve been working for and why it is important to be able to ensure that young people have all the opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. 

“Being able to then demonstrate further what we are doing that resonates with Defence strategy, when it comes to universities being a driver for economic growth which is something we do and we have been doing for quite some time, it has been a real opportunity to show examples of our collaborative working, our strategic partnerships and our impact.”

Janet Garner, BAE Systems Submarines Future Workforce Director, said: “It’s been absolutely fabulous to see the Defence Secretary walk through the door of the university campus in Barrow. The partnership work we’ve been doing over the last four, five years has really been brought to life. The most important thing for me is the partnership between industry and the University of Cumbria in that the response that we’re collectively working towards together is filling that skills gap for the area.”

WATCH: Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Brian Webster-Henderson discusses the Defence Secretary's visit to the new University of Cumbria Barrow campus

Further information about the University of Cumbria Barrow campus, including programmes and upcoming open days, is available at https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/student-life/locations/barrow-in-furness/.

ENDS