“This is a new era for Defence,” said Defence Secretary John Healey as the MOD confirmed a paid 12‑month ‘gap year’ Foundation Scheme for under‑25s starting in March 2026, with recruitment opening early in the year. The pilot is designed to give a structured taste of life across the Army, Royal Navy and RAF.

The first wave will take around 150 participants, with ministers aiming to scale the intake beyond 1,000 if demand is there. It promises tailored training in problem‑solving, teamwork and leadership, with unique experiences from basic training to time at sea, and no commitment beyond the year.

For young people in Yorkshire, Teesside and the North East, much of this could be on the doorstep. Catterick Garrison-already the UK’s biggest Army base-sits alongside RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, RAF Boulmer in Northumberland and RAF Fylingdales on the North York Moors, offering routes from soldiering to air and space operations.

Training quality in the North stands up. Ofsted’s latest review rated the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick ‘outstanding’ in October and found initial training broadly good or outstanding across the services, while urging action to reduce time trainees spend in limbo between courses.

Officials say the UK scheme draws on Australia’s long‑running ADF Gap Year, which offers one‑year paid roles with initial training, exercises and travel without a long contract. Australia’s overall Defence intake hit a 15‑year high in 2024/25, even if numbers still fell short of target.

The labour market context matters in our region. ONS estimates 12.8% of 16–24‑year‑olds across the UK were NEET in April–June 2025. In the North East, the Chamber reports five straight months of falling economic inactivity, though it remains roughly four points above the UK average-so paid, structured routes into work will be closely watched.

Local defence investment is also moving. New single living accommodation and office facilities are planned at RAF Leeming and RAF Boulmer under the Defence Estate Optimisation programme, reinforcing the North’s role in day‑to‑day defence operations.

If you want a low‑pressure first step, Liverpool’s HMS Eaglet runs weekly Royal Naval Reserve training nights-an easy way to meet serving personnel and get a feel for naval life before applications open.

Families around Catterick will soon see better healthcare support too. A new £110m joint Defence/NHS Catterick Integrated Care Centre is due to open in 2026, with capacity for up to 1,000 patients a day-military, families and local civilians.

Next steps are simple: keep an eye on the MOD site as recruitment opens in early 2026, with the pilot due to start in March. Given the small first cohort, expect strong interest and move quickly once details go live.