The scheme aims to open up defense careers across the UK supply chain, offering a second chance to gain an apprenticeship.
A project to help young people secure apprenticeships when in demand outstrips available positions in large companies has received Government support.
Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the Talent Bridge program aimed to unlock opportunities across the supply chain in sectors including defence.
He told the Press Association that the initiative represents a clearing system in higher education, giving more children the chance to secure an apprenticeship.
Speaking at the BAE Systems facility in Barrow, he revealed that the defense manufacturer is receiving 30 applications for every apprenticeship vacancy available.
“Instead of rejecting unsuccessful candidates, more efforts will be made to ensure that they get jobs in the supply chain, so that the industry does not lose young talent,” he said.
“It will be like the university Ucas clearing system but for apprentices. I am a massive fan of universities – they are great success stories for our country, but they are not the only route for young people to take.
“Government and industry must respond to try to ensure these opportunities are available.”
The Government expects an additional 50,000 apprenticeships to be established in the coming years to help reduce the nearly one million young people not in education, employment or training (NEET). The 5% Club, an employer-led charity focused on promoting apprenticeships, graduate schemes and student programmes, has helped launch the pilot phase of a new initiative in two regions, where apprentices will be paired with small companies from April 2027.
In the South West, including Devonport, the scheme will get support from Babcock, while BAE Systems will support the North West pilot covering Barrow-in-Furness and the Preston area.
Mark Cameron, chief executive of The 5% Club, said: “Talent should not be lost because opportunities cannot be seen. Major employers have more talented apprentice applicants than they can employ, while other businesses struggle to find the people they need.
“The Apprentice Talent Bridge connects the two. It’s a simple idea, but one that can keep more talent in the sector, open opportunities for young people who have never known there, and help employers access the skills they need to grow.”
Mr McFadden added: “This partnership will open doors for young people to exciting careers in the defense industry and help businesses expand their talent pipeline.
“More opportunities for young people to pursue careers in defense will help improve our engineering and manufacturing skills base and ensure they benefit as we increase our record defense spending.
“This is what the Youth Guarantee is about: giving every young person the chance to get on the career ladder and ensuring businesses can access the skilled talent they need to grow.”