Early-career meteorologists will benefit from a completely transformed learning and development programme, as the University of Plymouth and the Met Office work together to co-design and deliver a new era of training for the profession.

Following a competitive tender process, the agreement began in February 2026 and combines the University’s excellence in innovative learning design and environmental and climate-related disciplines with the Met Office's world-leading operational expertise.

Together, they will build a Foundation Operational Meteorology Programme fit for a profession being transformed by climate change, extreme weather and artificial intelligence.

The collaboration will also open more diverse routes into the profession, better recognising 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.