FIA2018: Cranfield gets DEEP
Courtesy Cranfield University
The programme which is supported by DGP partner firms aims to grow existing skills in export specialists and deliver an additional pipeline of export talent to the UK defence industry. Access to the programme is available through the apprenticeship levy, as well as through traditional funding pathways.
The first cohort was announced at Wednesday morning’s presentation at Farnborough, and they will commence their studies at Cranfield in January 2019 where they will undertake a bespoke Executive MBA.
Through the programme, delegates will study towards an industry-accredited Executive MBA as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Defence Export.
DEEP also provides a career pathway and a secondment and loan model that enables individuals to move between firms and roles in order to build key skills and experience and benefit from mentoring opportunities.
The DEEP programme represents a continuation of the partnership between the DGP and Cranfield University that was initiated with the Systems Engineering Master’s Apprenticeship Programme (SEMAP) in 2016.
Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Cranfield University, said: “This programme draws on our unique strengths in management and technology. DGP DEEP will boost the skills of defence industry executives and Government officials and enable Britain to compete even more successfully on the international stage in this key sector.”
Allan Cook, Co-Chair of the DGP, commenting on the launch of DEEP, said: “Export is critically important to the long-term prosperity of the UK defence industry and the launch of DEEP will support major growth in this area. It’s a fantastic programme – in partnership with Cranfield University, a truly world-class academic institution ,that can benefit the entire defence industry.
“Together, we will help to grow the UK economy by bolstering existing export skills and enabling companies to secure more high-value export contracts. It’s highly significant because, while there has been a huge focus on skills development at entry level in recent years, there has been far less emphasis on the upskilling of experienced, mid-level professionals who are on the pathway to become future business leaders. Continued skills development is crucial to personal and professional growth and a programme like DEEP helps to improve skills and assist their career development.”
Chris Wells, a member of the first cohort of DEEP delegates, also commented: “I’m delighted to be part of the first cohort of DEEP delegates after what has been a challenging application process. It’s a huge honour to be selected for such a prestigious programme and I’m looking forward to starting my studies and meeting my colleagues. The academic pathway will be a fantastic opportunity in itself and combined with the other areas of DEEP it will provide my fellow delegates and I with a platform to drive our careers forward.”
