Responding to the Scottish Affairs Committee's new report, Securing Scotland's future: Defence skills and jobs, Gavin Donoghue, CEO of Colleges Scotland, said:

"We welcome the committee's recognition that skills shortages are one of the most significant challenges facing the defence sector in Scotland. Colleges are Scotland's skills engines and, with the right investment, stand ready to help deliver the vocational and technical education needed for a growing defence industry.

"The committee has concluded that the establishment of Defence Technical Excellence Colleges (DTECs) in Scotland is a welcome step in addressing these skills shortages, and could be used to expand access to highly skilled, well-paid training opportunities that support communities across Scotland.

"We agree with the committee's wish to see the UK and Scottish governments work together with greater urgency to deliver DTECs in Scotland so our country can benefit from the additional jobs and investment created by an expanding defence industry."