Defence Sector Boom: Hundreds of New Jobs on the Horizon as Government Boosts Spending

Defence Sector Set for Job Growth Amid Increased Government Spending

Hundreds of new jobs are expected to emerge in the defence sector as the UK government ramps up its spending on military equipment. Emma Baker, policy chief at the defence industry group ADS, highlighted that companies are "anticipating a lot more work" from upcoming government contracts.

The Current Landscape

• Over 40,000 people are employed in the defence sector in the South West, relying heavily on Ministry of Defence (MoD) contracts.
• Companies like Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil are waiting for a £1bn deal to supply the RAF with over 20 new helicopters, which could "create or secure over 3,000 jobs."
• Seb Greene, CEO of Bristol-based Broadway Group, noted that while orders haven't yet materialized, confidence remains high that they will come through.

Apprenticeships and Graduate Opportunities

• Leonardo Helicopters has hired 450 apprentices and graduates in the past year, with many working at their Yeovil factory.
• AJ McKenzie, a 20-year-old apprentice, shared his enthusiasm: "Taking things apart, putting them back together... It's so satisfying."
• Chrissy Smith, a Principal Engineer at Leonardo, emphasized the pride in supporting the UK Armed Forces through advanced digital engineering like the 'Digital Twin' simulator.

Small Firms Also Benefit

• Broadway Group in Bristol has grown from 80 to 180 staff thanks to military contracts, hiring four apprentices and a graduate annually.
• Nanditha Gampala, a Business Masters graduate, highlighted the diverse opportunities in aerospace: "Don't pigeonhole yourself, there really is something for everyone here."

Waiting for the Green Light

• The MoD's review of defence spending and procurement is currently holding up several contracts.
• Emma Baker from ADS remains optimistic: "We are anticipating a lot more work... Across Europe, defence budgets are also rising."

With the defence sector poised for growth, the coming months could see a significant boost in job opportunities across the UK.