UK defence contractors have pledged to offer 40,000 apprenticeships, work placements and jobs to 18- to 24-year-olds each year by 2030, rising to 50,000 by 2035. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said increased defence spending should create British jobs, support industrial growth and help address the “moral emergency” of almost one million young people not in education, employment or training.

Companies including BAE Systems, MBDA, Rolls-Royce, Babcock, Thales and Airbus have also promised a “no wrong door” policy, directing unsuccessful applicants towards other opportunities in the supply chain. The initiative comes as Labour plans to raise defence spending to 2.7% of GDP, while a possible increase to 3% by 2030 remains undecided and could require tax rises; former minister Alan Milburn said the pledge demonstrated how employers could help young people gain skills and experience.