In a first for UK Defence, the RAF have worked with Springpod to deliver a virtual work experience platform, illustrating our commitment to engaging with the next generation.
Launched on 13 April 2026, the RAF is the first of the UK’s Armed Forces to utilise a national virtual work experience programme. It shows the RAF’s willingness to adopt the latest technology to engage, inspire and inform young people. The programme is free and open to all young people, giving them a chance to explore careers they might not otherwise have access to.
The programme provides insight into the broad spectrum of careers available in the RAF, the skills required to support Defence and understanding of the RAF’s mission. Springpod is helping the RAF move beyond traditional, location-limited work experience activities to establish a consistent, accessible, and measurable way to reach young people right across the country.
"The launch of this programme is a landmark event for the RAF; it allows us to engage with a much broader audience a lot earlier. I’m particularly proud of the enhanced accessibility this programme will give us. It’s vital our next generation of Service people come from as broad a range as possible. This brings fresh thinking, perspective and ideas, which is vital for the continued development of the RAF."
Air Commodore Dave Crook
Head Strategic Workforce Planning and Recruiting
A Strategic Shift in Early Engagement
From the outset the programme has been designed to be youth focused, with clear and accessible language, aimed at breaking down barriers. It offers a meaningful development experience, helping young people gain confidence, insight, and transferable skills while also strengthening awareness of the RAF’s role in society.
This platform directly supports the objectives set out in the Strategic Defence Review, which emphasises skills depth, a stronger workforce and a renewed connection between defence and society as essential for the future.
“The RAF is taking a clear, strategic approach to early engagement - treating it as a core workforce capability rather than a one-off initiative. This partnership is about giving young people clear, credible insight into Defence careers and the skills behind them, while providing the RAF with measurable, defensible evidence of impact. We are proud to support the RAF in building a future-ready, inclusive talent pipeline at a national scale.”
Oliver Fisher
Springpod Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer
About Springpod
Springpod is the UK’s leading provider of virtual work experience, with more than 1.2 million young people having taken part in its programmes. The organisation works with leading employers across Defence, industry and the public sector, including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Thales, UCAS and the Department for Education.
Through its partnership with the RAF, Springpod delivers a fully managed, nationally scalable solution that combines high-quality content, inclusive access and measurable outcomes, supporting Defence’s long-term skills and workforce ambitions.
