With DEEP DGP hopes to foster existing export talent while also establishing a pipeline of skills right the way through the UK defence sector. Access to the scheme will be available via the apprenticeship levy, in addition to more traditional methods of funding.
While at Farnborough DGP introduced the first cohort who will commence their studies at Cranfield in January 2019. There they will undertake a bespoke executive MDA. During the programme, delegates will move towards an industry-accredited Executive MBA, and attain a postgraduate certificate in defence export.
DEEP will also provide career pathways and a secondment and loan model that enables individuals to move between firms and roles in order to build key skills and experience and benefit from mentoring opportunities.
Professor Sir Peter Gregson, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University said: “This programme draws on our unique strengths in management and technology. DGP DEEP will boost the skills of defence industry executives and Government officials and enable Britain to compete even more successfully on the international stage in this key sector.”
Chris Wells, a member of the first cohort of DEEP delegates, added: “I’m delighted to be part of the first cohort of DEEP delegates after what has been a challenging application process. It’s a huge honour to be selected for such a prestigious programme and I’m looking forward to starting my studies and meeting my colleagues. The academic pathway will be a fantastic opportunity in itself and, combined with the other areas of DEEP, it will provide my fellow delegates and I with a platform to drive our careers forward.”
The DEEP programme represents the continuation of a partnership between the DGP and Cranfield University, initiated with the Systems Engineering Master’s Apprenticeship Programme (SEMAP) in 2016.
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Cranfield University Defence Enterprise Export Programme Defence Growth Partnership