Engineering the Future: MBDA Expands Apprenticeship Opportunities with Wigan & Leigh College

Wigan & Leigh College is celebrating the success of its partnership with MBDA, one of the UK’s leading defence companies and strategic partner to the Ministry of Defence, as the employer continues to invest in apprenticeships and workforce development through the college.

Since 2023, the partnership has supported the delivery of the Level 3 Engineering Fitter apprenticeship, helping both new recruits and existing employees develop the skills needed to succeed in a highly specialised engineering environment.

Delivered at the college’s Pagefield Campus, the programme has welcomed four apprentice cohorts to date. Working closely with curriculum teams, MBDA has helped shape training to reflect industry requirements, supporting both its Early Careers Programme and the upskilling of existing employees through apprenticeship levy funding. The partnership continues to strengthen MBDA’s talent pipeline and workforce development ambitions.

The success of the partnership is reflected in the achievements of apprentices such as Megan, who was named Engineering Fitter Apprentice of the Year 2025 and Overall Apprentice of the Year. Currently completing a Manufacturing Operations apprenticeship with MBDA, Megan’s achievement highlights the high-quality opportunities created through the partnership and MBDA’s commitment to developing engineering talent.

As MBDA continues to invest in its workforce, the company plans to increase the number of apprentices it recruits, including through Wigan & Leigh College in the coming years, creating even more opportunities for aspiring engineers and skilled manufacturing professionals. The organisations are also jointly exploring further training and development opportunities from 2027 onwards, strengthening their long-term commitment to workforce skills and business growth.

Following its recognition as the North-West Construction Technical Excellence College in 2025, Wigan & Leigh College has further strengthened its national impact by becoming a spoke college within the Advanced Manufacturing Technical Excellence College network, led by New College Durham in the North-East.

Anna Dawe, Principal and Chief Executive of Wigan & Leigh College, said:

“Our partnership with MBDA demonstrates the value of collaboration between education and industry in developing the skilled workforce required for future growth. Through apprenticeships, we are supporting talent development, workforce progression and high-quality career opportunities.

“We are proud to support MBDA’s continued investment in skills and look forward to strengthening our partnership as the company expands its apprenticeship programme in the years ahead.”

Gary Bradshaw, ECP HR Advisor at MBDA, said:

“MBDA continues to grow to meet the needs of our customers, and this apprenticeship helps us build the skills needed for now and the future. We see apprenticeships as a long-term investment, and many who complete the scheme stay with us, continuing to grow and develop, and contribute to our outputs as well as inspiring the next generation of apprentices who follow in their footsteps.

“Our relationship with Wigan & Leigh College has been truly collaborative. By working closely with their assessors and the wider College team, we’re building a strong partnership focused on the skills we need now and in the future.”

The partnership demonstrates how employers can use apprenticeships to attract new talent, upskill existing employees and build a future-ready workforce. By working closely with employers such as MBDA, Wigan & Leigh College ensures training remains aligned to industry needs while helping businesses develop the skills required for long-term success.

Businesses looking to upskill their workforce, invest in apprenticeships or develop bespoke training solutions can contact the Employer Engagement Team at employerengagement@wigan-leigh.ac.uk to find out how Wigan & Leigh College can support their workforce development and skills needs.