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18 March 2026 - Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs - Oral evidence

Committee Scottish Affairs Committee
Inquiry Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs

Wednesday 18 March 2026

Start times: 9:00am (private) 9:30am (public)


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How to close skills gaps in Scotland’s defence sector? 

The Scottish Affairs Committee continues its inquiry into Scotland's defence skills and jobs, exploring how skills gaps in the defence sector can be addressed. 

In the first panel, the cross-party committee will hear from experts at Colleges Scotland, Fife College, Heriot Watt University and the University of Edinburgh on the role education providers play in developing these skills. MPs may ask about the Defence Growth Deal, planned Defence Universities Alliance and how universities and colleges can support the reskilling and upskilling of workers for the defence industry.  

The committee will then hear from experts who support STEM activities outside of the curriculum. Questions could investigate the importance of STEM skills for young people, and which skills are most needed within the defence sector. 

Meeting details

At 9:30am: Oral evidence
Inquiry Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs
CEO at Colleges Scotland
Principal and Chief Executive at Fife College
Deputy Principal Research and Impact at Heriot Watt University
CDT SPADS Lead at The University of Edinburgh
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Inquiry Securing Scotland’s Future: Defence Skills and Jobs
Head of Skills and Social Impact at Thales UK
Head of Operations at Glasgow Science Centre
CEO at Primary Engineer

Location

Room 6, Palace of Westminster

How to attend