Defence contractors pledge 40,000 annual opportunities for young people by 2030

The useful part

Major UK defence contractors have pledged to provide 40,000 opportunities a year for 18 to 24-year-olds by 2030, spanning apprenticeships, work experience and permanent jobs. BAE Systems, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, Babcock, Thales and Airbus are among the companies involved. The firms also plan to direct unsuccessful applicants towards other opportunities in the defence supply chain, an approach intended to keep young candidates connected to possible routes into the sector.

How it works

• The pledge puts a spotlight on the value of work experience and employer-led training at a time of concern about youth unemployment and skills gaps.
• Stuart Gentle Publisher at Onrec 25 Sep 2026 | Skills & Learning Defence contractors pledge 40,000 annual opportunities for young people by 2030 Apprenticeships, work experience and jobs form part of a...
• Its delivery will depend on employers converting the commitment into accessible placements and sustained roles.
• Commenting on the initiative in a media alert shared with Onrec, Sheila Flavell CBE, COO of FDM Group, said: "Alternate pathways into employment like...

Details worth keeping

The annual commitment is due to increase to 50,000 by 2035.