The UK’s Met Office has partnered with the University of Plymouth to co-design and co-deliver a new training program for early-career meteorologists.
The multimillion-pound Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme will provide early-career meteorologists with a learning and development program suitable for a profession being transformed by climate change, extreme weather and artificial intelligence.
According to the Met Office, the collaboration will also open more diverse routes into the profession, better recognizing students’ previous experience and creating clearer career progression pathways – all enhancing career opportunities and making meteorology more accessible to people from a wider range of backgrounds.
Baden Hall, head of the operational meteorology profession at the Met Office, said, “We have a very proud history of training weather forecasters, going back more than 80 years. We fully intend to continue that world-renowned reputation, bringing together our operational expertise in weather and climate prediction with modern and adaptable learning design.
“Meteorology is evolving at pace. Climate change, the increasing frequency of extreme weather, advances in data science and artificial intelligence, and growing expectations from our customers and partners are all reshaping what it means to be an operational meteorologist.
“In response, the Met Office is modernizing how it develops its people to ensure the UK’s national meteorological service has the skilled experts needed to deliver world-class weather and climate intelligence in the decades ahead.”
Dr Matthew Watkinson, associate dean (education and student experience) in the University of Plymouth’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, added, “This is a proud moment for everyone at the university. The Met Office is known across the world as a definitive voice of meteorological and climate expertise, and we are excited to be working together to train and inspire future generations of meteorologists.
“This project recognizes our excellence in providing innovative and transformational educational solutions for our partners and harnessing our expertise in ways that can benefit people and the planet. We are excited and honored to be working together with the Met Office in facilitating such transformational change and creating a world-class training experience for their meteorologists.”
Design work is now underway, and the first cohort of Foundation Operational Meteorologists is expected to begin training under the new model in autumn 2026. Both organizations will then continue to refine and develop the program over the coming years.
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