UK defence contractors to offer 40,000 apprenticeships, placements and jobs a year
Defence contractors have promised 40,000 apprenticeships, work placements and jobs for young people each year, with the total due to rise to 50,000 by 2035.
UK defence contractors have promised to create 40,000 apprenticeships, work experience placements and jobs for young people each year, as Defence Secretary Wes Streeting claimed to be overseeing a “ministry for growth”.
The commitment was reported by The Guardian on 23 September. Labour is seeking to show that higher defence spending will translate directly into UK jobs.
The industry says the number of opportunities is scheduled to rise to 50,000 by 2035. The pledges will span work experience, apprenticeships and permanent roles, giving young people several routes into the defence sector.
Contractors have also pledged a “no wrong door” approach: unsuccessful applicants will be signposted to opportunities elsewhere in the defence supply chain. Signatories to the industry pledge include Babcock, Thales and Airbus.
The announcement comes as the government presses ahead with plans to raise defence spending, framing military investment as an engine of economic growth as well as national security.
Sources
- The Guardian — “UK defence contractors to offer 40,000 apprenticeships, placements and jobs” (Heather Stewart, 23 Sep 2026): https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/sep/23/uk-defence-contractors-40000-apprenticeships-work-placements-jobs-wes-streeting
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