An agreement between the UK government and defence industry leaders aimed to offer work experience, apprenticeships and training to young people, the Ministry of Defence said in a news story published on 24 September 2026. Under the plan, 40,000 young people across the UK would be offered opportunities and employment in skilled defence careers each year by 2030, rising to 50,000 by 2035, following what the department described as the biggest ever agreement between government and business on routes into defence work.

The pledge included raising the number of defence apprenticeships to at least 14,000 young people by 2035 and expanding work experience placements and pathways for those not in employment, education or training by at least 25 per cent by 2035. It also committed to a quarter more career, STEM and community engagement interactions by 2035 and a “no-wrong-door” approach so suitable applicants could, with consent, be considered for opportunities elsewhere in the supply chain.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said the government was using increased defence spending to create opportunities for young people. The agreement was signed at a London roundtable the previous day, the report said, and forms part of an upcoming Industrial Strategy Defence Jobs Plan. The department also cited a £182 million defence skills package from the previous year.