Recognising the need for state-of-the-art training facilities, the College has made significant investments in blue skills infrastructure. Key developments include the Centre for Higher Technical Innovation & Maritime Skills, created in collaboration with industry leaders to deliver specialist training in marine technology, engineering, and digital maritime solutions, and the Engineering & Nuclear Skills Building, launched in partnership with Babcock International Group to support nuclear defence and maritime maintenance. We have strategic plans underway to further expand our training facilities, ensuring Plymouth remains at the forefront of maritime innovation and workforce development, while fully capitalising on the city’s maritime strengths.

Plymouth’s blue economy extends beyond defence and engineering, encompassing tourism, leisure, and conservation. The city is home to the UK’s first National Marine Park, along with the associated Digital Marine Park project. These initiatives engage the entire community in marine heritage and conservation efforts, promote sustainable tourism and economic development, and create hundreds of new jobs. They also enhance education, raise awareness, and inspire the next generation of marine professionals. In addition, they showcase Plymouth Sound to a global audience, integrating blue and digital skills, and enabling individuals who cannot physically access the park to experience real-time or on-demand views of the marine ecosystem. Together, these projects strengthen Plymouth’s position as a leader in marine tourism, digital tourism, and interactive technology.

Plymouth’s visitor economy strategy aims to increase employment by 33%, creating 4,000 new jobs by 2026 spanning maritime and coastal tourism, sport and leisure (including marine-based activities), health and wellbeing careers linked to outdoor activity and conservation, as well as multi-trade and digital skills roles supporting blue sector growth.