RNN Group Secures Landmark Technical Excellence College Bid
We’re proud to share some exciting news – RNN Group has successfully secured a major national defence technology bid, working in partnership with the UK Government.
This achievement will see the creation of a new Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC), delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education.
Part of a £175 Million National Investment in Skills
This announcement forms part of a major £175 million government investment to establish a new wave of Technical Excellence Colleges across England.
In total, 19 colleges have been selected to deliver high-quality training in the industries powering Britain’s future – including defence, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Through this programme:
- Around 65,000 learners will gain access to high-demand technical training
- Colleges will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and specialist equipment
- Teaching and course quality will be enhanced nationwide
- A stronger pipeline of talent will be built for key sectors
This investment responds to a growing national need – with an estimated 600,000 additional workers required by 2030 across these priority industries.
A Big Step Forward for Defence Skills
Within this wider national programme, RNN Group’s DTEC will play a critical role in strengthening the UK’s defence workforce.
The Group will focus on delivering high-quality education and training in:
- Digital Technologies
- Advanced Manufacturing
These areas are essential to the UK’s defence sector and its supply chains, supporting both national security and long-term economic resilience.
Why This Matters for our Employer Partners, Communities and Learners
This is more than a new institution – it’s a major step forward in how technical education connects directly to employment.
The DTEC will:
- Open up clear pathways into careers in defence
- Strengthen regional and national skills capacity
- Support innovation in cutting-edge technologies
- Bring together education, industry, and government
It also supports the government’s ambition to ensure more young people progress into higher-level learning and skilled careers.
Supporting South Yorkshire and Beyond
Based within the South Yorkshire and East Midlands regions, the DTEC builds on the area’s strengths in advanced manufacturing – a key driver of the UK defence sector.
Like other Technical Excellence Colleges across the country, it is strategically located to align with local industry demand, helping to drive regional growth while contributing to national priorities.
By working closely with employers and partners, RNN Group will help develop a highly skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.
A National Vision for Opportunity
Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“I want every young person to know there is a clear route into well paid work, whatever their background. These colleges put technical skills front and centre, opening up high quality jobs in the industries driving Britain’s future.”
The programme reflects a broader commitment to ensuring technical education is valued equally alongside traditional university routes – creating more accessible, high-quality pathways into skilled employment.
A Word from Our CEO
Jason Austin, CEO & Principal of RNN Group, said:
“This is a significant moment for RNN Group and for the regions we serve; securing this bid demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the provision of high-quality technical education.
“We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to deliver a step change in how defence skills are developed.
“By collaborating closely with SYMCA and EMCCA and our local educational partners and institutions, we are ensuring the development of high-level skills in this area.”
Looking Ahead
The 19 Technical Excellence Colleges will begin delivery from April 2026, acting as hubs of excellence and working with other providers to raise standards across the country.
For RNN Group, this success builds on strong partnerships with universities, employers, and government – all working together at the forefront of defence education and innovation.
We’re excited about the opportunities this will create for learners, employers, and communities across South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire, and the UK.