news.today
Hello · Register today | LoginHello · My Account[—] [32]
Business

Defence industry pilot to place apprentices with smaller firms

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 17 Oct, 12:32 · Archive

A new apprenticeship scheme will connect unsuccessful defence industry applicants with smaller employers across the supply chain.

The Apprenticeship Talent Bridge, a partnership between BAE Systems, Babcock and The 5% Club, was officially launched in Barrow on 16 October. The scheme aims to help apprentices unable to secure positions with major defence employers find work with smaller firms across the defence supply chain.

The initiative will connect apprenticeship applicants with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from April 2027. It is designed to create employment opportunities for aspiring apprentices while helping employers access the skills they need. Two regions are leading the pilot: the north-west covering Barrow-in-Furness and Preston, supported by BAE Systems, and the south-west covering Devonport, supported by Babcock.

Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: 'Every young person who shows the talent and drive to succeed in defence deserves a route into the industry. Initiatives like this make that happen, with industry working together to build skills, create jobs, and strengthen our defence industrial base for the long term.' Debbie Joce, Babcock Skills Director, added that apprenticeships are vital to the future workforce and the long-term success of the defence industry.

Defence industry pilot to place apprentices with smaller firms
Image: NW Evening Mail

Comments (0)

How it is being reported

In this story: BAE Systems · Babcock · The 5% Club · Luke Pollard · Barrow-in-Furness · Preston · Devonport

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem