Airbus Defence and Space and the Solent Growth Partnership have announced an innovative new collaboration to create the UK’s first ever space and defence apprenticeship matching programme.
The new pilot initiative is designed to ensure 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.
Left to right: Rachel Varley (Airbus), Lucinda Williams (Head of Social Value and Sustainability, Airbus), Amanda Martin MP, John Chinner (Airbus), Matt Rowland (Solent Growth Partnership) announcing the collaboration at Space-Comm Expo in London
Under this pioneering model, applicants who reach the later stages of the Airbus Portsmouth recruitment process but do not receive 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. This pilot programme will initially apply to Level 4 Apprenticeships – but if successful it could be rolled out more widely.
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 has shown real leadership in opening the door to wider opportunity, and we’re excited to bring our local businesses on this journey.
“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.”
Kata Escott, Managing Director Airbus Defence and Space UK, said: “The future of our sector will depend on the people we invest in today. This initiative will open up more opportunities for young people and will help us build the talent and skills that we need in the UK’s space industry in the future.”
Portsmouth North MP Amanda Martin said: “As a former teacher, I am so pleased to support this pilot in my constituency of Portsmouth North. Increasing opportunities like this for young people not only improves individual life chances, but drives economic growth and creates a positive skills multiplier across the wider workforce.
“This new initiative from the Solent Growth Partnership and Airbus Defence and Space is a crucial step to ensuring that our young people have access to brilliant opportunities to develop skills and build careers across the space 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
SMEs who would like to be part of this initiative are encouraged to contact the Solent Growth Partnership via email Matthew.Rowland@southampton.gov.uk.