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UK Launches Defence Apprenticeship Scheme for Ex-Offenders

9/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The UK government is exploring a four-year apprenticeship scheme in the defence sector for young offenders and ex-prisoners.
This initiative seeks to fill 5,000 welding vacancies due to a skills shortage.
Sir Keir Starmer aims to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2034 in response to threats from Russia.
The Home Office plans to require companies to train local workers instead of hiring foreign staff.
The scheme, backed by Make UK Defence and the Fair Chance Business Alliance, will focus on cities with strong defence industries, such as Glasgow and Newcastle.

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Story summary

The UK government is exploring a four-year apprenticeship scheme in the defence sector for young offenders and ex-prisoners.
This initiative seeks to fill 5,000 welding vacancies due to a skills shortage.
Sir Keir Starmer aims to raise defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2034 in response to threats from Russia.
The Home Office plans to require companies to train local workers instead of hiring foreign staff.
The scheme, backed by Make UK Defence and the Fair Chance Business Alliance, will focus on cities with strong defence industries, such as Glasgow and Newcastle.