Archive · 24 Sep 2026
UK Defence Firms Plan 50,000 Youth Opportunities Amid Skills Gap
UK defence companies say they will create many more chances for young people to enter the industry.
By 2030, they plan to offer 40,000 opportunities each year to people aged 18 to 24.
That number could rise to 50,000 each year by 2035.
The chances may include work experience, apprenticeships or permanent jobs.
The jobs are not only in the military.
They can also involve engineering, manufacturing, cyber technology, science and digital work.
Companies say applicants who do not get one role should be guided toward other suitable opportunities.
This plan is meant to help fill a large shortage of skilled workers in defence.
Major UK defence companies will offer 40,000 annual opportunities for people aged 18–24 by 2030, rising to 50,000 by 2035.
The pledge includes apprenticeships, work experience and permanent jobs, with unsuccessful applicants directed to other opportunities.
Skills England estimates defence employers will need around 82,000 workers in 14 priority occupations by 2035.
The projected demand combines 53,000 additional workers with 29,000 replacements for people expected to leave.
The initiative supports the government’s £182 million defence skills package and wider defence investment plans.
- Who
- The UK government and major defence companies, including BAE Systems, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, Babcock, Thales, Airbus, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin and QinetiQ.
- What
- They agreed to expand routes into defence careers, offering 40,000 annual opportunities for 18–24-year-olds by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035.
- When
- The targets apply by 2030 and 2035; projected workforce demand covers 2025–2035.
- Where
- Across the United Kingdom and its defence supply chain.
- Why
- To address growing demand for technical and digital skills and help young people enter education, employment or training.
- Annual opportunities by 2030
- 40,000 for people aged 18–24
- Annual opportunities by 2035
- 50,000 for people aged 18–24
- Projected additional workers
- 53,000 in 14 priority defence occupations between 2025 and 2035
- Projected replacement workers
- 29,000 workers expected to leave those occupations by 2035
- Total projected demand
- Around 82,000 workers by 2035
- Government skills package
- £182 million
- Defence investment plan
- Almost £300 billion over four years