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The United Kingdom has announced the launch of a “Gap Year Foundation Scheme”, offering paid experience and training for military service with the Armed Forces, modelled on Australia’s ADF Gap Year program.
The foundation scheme is designed to give under-25-year-olds experience of armed forces, bolster skills and leadership with an initial intake of 150 participants from March this year over a 12-month program.
UK ministers have indicated the scheme could eventually grow to more than 1,000 young people subject to interest. The scheme is informed by the success of the Australian Defence Force’s “ADF Gap Year” scheme, which was cited in the UK government’s Strategic Defence Review as an “exciting model from which to learn” and has been running for over a decade.
“This is a new era for Defence, and that means opening up new opportunities for young people to experience and learn from our Armed Forces,” UK Defence Secretary John Healey said.
“This gap year scheme will give Britain’s young people a taste of the incredible skills and training on offer across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF. It’s part of our determination to reconnect society with our forces and drive a whole-of-society approach to our nation’s defence.
“As families come together at this time of year, and young people think about their futures, I want the outstanding opportunities on offer in our Armed Forces to be part of that conversation in homes across the UK.”
The scheme is expected to offer bespoke training courses aimed at skills and attributes for success in either military or civilian life, bolstering employability or providing a route into a career in the Armed Forces.
It forms part of the government’s drive towards a “whole-of-society” approach to defence, a key theme of this year’s Strategic Defence Review, reconnecting the public with those who serve, strengthening awareness of the role the Armed Forces play, and giving the next generation the skills and experience to unlock their potential.
As well as broad leadership skills, the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will be designed to deliver transferrable skills to careers outside of the Armed Forces, which will bolster national resilience. For example, working alongside supply chain specialist in the Army or engineers on Royal Navy ships will provide the skills needed for success in logistics and engineering roles.
Initially operating as a pilot, the scheme is expected to scale and increase capacity, offering the experience of life in the Armed Forces without a commitment beyond the course.
“As a veteran, I know how invaluable the skills and experience gained by serving in the Armed Forces are not only in a military career, but in civilian life,” UK Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones said.
“This scheme will provide a fantastic opportunity for school leavers and young adults to develop their potential, learn new skills and contribute to our nation’s security, all while building resilience, teamwork and leadership skills that will serve them for life.”
