College Merthyr Tydfil and General Dynamics launch Strategic Partnership to Establish Cutting-Edge Engineering Academy
Empowering the Next Generation of Engineers and Supporting the Defence Industry
In a bold move to bridge the gap between education and industry, The College Merthyr Tydfil has announced a strategic partnership with General Dynamics, a global leader in defence and advanced manufacturing. This collaboration will see the launch of a state-of-the-art Engineering Academy designed to equip learners with real-world employability skills in advanced manufacturing and engineering technologies.
The new Engineering Academy will serve as a dynamic hub where learners can gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools, processes, and systems. By working closely with General Dynamics, the college aims to ensure that its curriculum is aligned with the evolving needs of the defence sector—an industry that plays a vital role in national security, innovation, and economic growth.
A Vision for Workforce Readiness
“This partnership is about more than just education—it’s about shaping the future workforce,” said Lisa Thomas, College Principal “We already have excellent relationships with General Dynamics through the apprenticeship programme that they offer to our learners through Tydfil Training and the Merthyr Tydfil Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Scheme. By collaborating with them on this academy, we’re taking this one step further and giving our learners access to real-life engineering challenges and the opportunity to develop the technical and professional skills that employers in the defence and manufacturing sectors are looking for.”
Commenting on the partnership, Liana James, Employability and Enterprise Co-ordinator at the college, said “The Engineering Academy will offer a range of guest speaker talks, site visits, live projects and opportunities all designed to prepare learners for high-value careers in advanced manufacturing and defence engineering.
Supporting Industry Through Staff Development
As part of the partnership, the college will also support General Dynamics through its Personal Learning Account (PLA) provision, offering bespoke training and professional development opportunities for the company’s existing workforce. This initiative will help upskill staff in areas such as digital and green manufacturing, systems engineering, and leadership—ensuring that General Dynamics remains at the forefront of innovation and operational excellence.
“We’re proud to be working with a forward-thinking organisation like General Dynamics,” added Jonathan Davies, Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Built Environment at the College, “Together, we’re not only investing in the next generation of engineers but also supporting the continuous development of those already making a difference in the industry.”
Strengthening the Defence Sector
The partnership underscores the critical importance of the defence industry in the UK’s industrial strategy. By fostering closer ties between education and defence, the initiative aims to create a sustainable talent pipeline that will support the sector’s long-term growth and resilience.
At General Dynamics, we are deeply committed to fostering innovation and excellence through collaboration,” said Scott Milne, Vice President & General Manager General Dynamics UK. “Our partnership with The College Merthyr Tydfil represents a shared vision for the future—one where education and industry work hand-in-hand to empower the next generation of engineers. The Engineering Academy is not just an investment in skills, but in the people and communities that will drive the UK’s defence and manufacturing sectors forward. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to seeing the incredible talent it will nurture.”
Nick Williams, Head of Strategy and Business Development at general Dynamics, commented: “At General Dynamics, we are especially passionate about giving young people meaningful opportunities to thrive in engineering and advanced manufacturing. The Engineering Academy is a testament to that commitment. By working closely with The College Merthyr Tydfil, we’re not only helping shape a future-ready workforce but also inspiring the next generation to lead with innovation, purpose, and pride in their contribution to the UK’s defence sector.”
The Engineering Academy is set to open its doors to learners in September 2025, with applications still open for prospective learners eager to be part of this exciting new chapter.
