Regional collaboration launches UK’s first space and defence apprenticeship matching programme
Airbus Defence and Space, Portsmouth, and the Solent Growth Partnership have announced an innovative collaboration to create the UK’s first ever space and defence apprenticeship matching programme.
The new pilot initiative – announced today at Space-Comm Expo Europe in London – will ensure that talented young people who narrowly miss out on highly competitive Airbus apprenticeship roles are supported into alternative high-quality opportunities with local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Each year, Airbus Defence and Space attracts thousands of applications from motivated, technically skilled young people with aspirations to build careers in engineering, digital, and advanced manufacturing. However, Airbus in Portsmouth only has a limited number of places available, so the new pilot apprenticeship matching programme aims to give strong candidates another possible pathway into industry.
Under this pioneering model, applicants who reach the later stages of the Airbus Portsmouth recruitment process, but miss out on an offer, will be invited to join the Solent Growth Partnership/Airbus talent pool. From there, they will be matched with local SMEs looking for ambitious apprentices who are ready to make an immediate impact.
The apprentice matching scheme marks the latest action from the Space South Central region to tackle space sector skills gaps, with apprenticeships playing a vital role in ensuring a future-ready workforce equipped with the latest skills. In 2024, BAE Systems announced the UK’s first Degree Apprenticeship in Space Systems Engineering. The Airbus/Solent Growth Partnership pilot programme will initially apply to Level 4 Apprenticeships – but if successful it could be rolled out more widely.
Kata Escott, Managing Director of Airbus Defence and Space UK, said: “From national security and defence to innovation and technology transfer, Space plays a vital role in the UK's prosperity and security. Ensuring a successful future talent pipeline is crucial for the space ecosystem.
‘We have always been committed to our own graduate and apprenticeship schemes – and this ground-breaking initiative is the first step to further strengthen the wider ecosystem by ensuring that even more candidates will have greater opportunities right across the southern region.”
Jodi Fair, Regional Economic Growth & Partnership Manager at the Solent Growth Partnership, said: “This is a game-changing initiative for the Solent region. We’re connecting brilliant young people with the SMEs who need them – making sure no talent is lost and strengthening our local skills pipeline.
“Airbus’s involvement ensures that participating SMEs have access to candidates who have already undergone a rigorous, industry-leading assessment process – helping them recruit with confidence, while supporting the region’s wider economic growth.”
Dr Louise Butt, Director of Space South Central, which is based at Airbus in Portsmouth, said: “Our cluster represents more than 200 companies of all shapes and sizes across Hampshire, Surrey and the Isle of Wight, and this ground-breaking scheme shows how our space primes can support the growth and staffing needs of SMEs, while widening career opportunities for budding apprentices.”
Portsmouth North MP, Amanda Martin, who was at Space-Comm for the launch, said: “As a former teacher, I am so pleased to support this pilot in my Portsmouth North constituency.
Left to right Dr Louise Butt (Space South Central) and Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North
Increasing opportunities for young people not only drives economic growth but also helps upskill the wider workforce.
“This new initiative from the Solent Growth Partnership and Airbus Defence and Space is a great step to ensuring that more candidates have more opportunities and can develop their skills and build careers across the sector.”
Airbus and the Solent Growth Partnership will invite local SMEs across engineering, digital, maritime, aerospace, advanced manufacturing and related sectors to join the programme.
Businesses that participate will:
· Gain access to a vetted pool of high-potential young candidates
· Receive guidance and support in setting up or expanding apprenticeship provision
· Play a vital role in nurturing the Solent region’s next generation of skilled talent
To find out more about how your SME can be part of the apprentice matching initiative, contact the Solent Growth Partnership on 023 9268 8055 or solentgrowthpartnershipinfo@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
