NextGen Agenda

Whether you're nurturing future talent or shaping strategic workforce plans, the NextGen programme is your opportunity to connect, discover, and influence the next generation of defence. From students and educators to industry, military, and government professionals, NextGen brings the right people together to create meaningful career pathways and spark innovation across the sector.

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To find out the programme of events for the NextGen Day, continue scrolling...

 

NextGen Forum Talks

A series of interviews, presentations, and panel discussions offering valuable insight into the world of defence and security, and the sector’s talent and skills requirements.

Location: Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) Keynote Forum

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10:30
  1. Aerospace Forum
    240 mins
    Could digital wargaming and simulation be part of your career? Join us in the Aerospace Theatre for a large-scale wargame executed within the military simulation package Command Professional Edition. ...
  2. Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) Keynote Forum
    50 mins

    As defence faces an era of rapid technological change and evolving global threats, the sector’s strategic advantage increasingly depends on its ability to attract, develop, and retain a future-ready workforce. This session explores the current talent and skills challenges facing the UK defence sector. With input from MOD leaders, skills and talent champions, discussions will address how defence organisations can respond to recruitment and retention pressures, modernise training pathways, and build stronger talent pipelines through partnerships with education and industry. Whether you are an employer shaping workforce strategy, a careers guidance lead or a student considering a career in defence, this session offers a 360 on the sector skills requirements today.

11:30
  1. Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) Keynote Forum
    50 mins

    Defence and security deliver cutting-edge innovation unlike any other sector. This session invites you to explore how your passion for technology can be a driving force for real world changes and the strategic advantage this brings. With a series of presentations from professionals working at the forefront of defence innovation, technology, maths and science, attendees will gain insight into how emerging technologies are being developed, tested, and deployed to solve complex challenges. This session will uncover the breadth of opportunities available within the defence sector for those driven by a passion for technological innovation and change.

12:25
  1. Cyber & Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) Keynote Forum
    25 mins

    Saying “I work in defence” often sparks curiosity and sometimes confusion. People might imagine spies, secret missions, or ask tough questions about global issues and ethics. That said, defence careers span a wide range of disciplines, focused on solving real-world challenges through innovation, collaboration, and purpose. It’s not quite James Bond, and definitely not supervillain territory, it’s about tackling complex problems that matter. In this interactive, discussion-led session, early careers professionals from FutureNEST will unpack the top 10 myths about working in the defence industry. Drawing from their own experiences, they’ll share how they’ve navigated the tough questions, the misconceptions, and the curiosity that comes with saying “I work in defence.” Whether you're considering a career in the sector or simply curious, this session will offer honest insights and open conversation.



 

Focused Networking

Build your network through sessions that enable talent and collaboration corridors.

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NextGen Advice Hub

Visit the Cyber & Specialist Operation Command (CSOC) stand anytime during the day for personalised expert advice tailored to your interests in the defence and security sector.

The Hub will connect you directly with representatives from across the defence industry, military and government ready to answer your questions about the skills needed and opportunities available in careers in defence and defence industry. Come and talk to the people living and working in defence!

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Immersive NextGen Zones

Where education meets application. Step beyond the lecture theatre and into the real world of defence through a range of immersive and interactive experiences, running throughout the day. 

 

NextGen Wargaming Experience: ‘Cold Front’ Air & Naval Participation Game

Location: Aerospace Forum

Could digital wargaming and simulation be part of your career?  Join us in the Aerospace Theatre for a large-scale wargame executed within the military simulation package Command Professional Edition.  This software is used across the UK defence space, and beyond, to realistically model air and naval engagements across entire regions of the globe.  We are running such a scenario over the course of the day, and NextGen Career Trail participants are warmly invited to drop by, see how it works, and join the action by planning and executing your own air strike!  Direct involvement should take no more than 30 minutes and will be directly supported by a subject matter expert.  

Space careers in defence – a Meta Quest experience

Location: Space Forum

Step into the future of defence careers with UK Space Command. Using Meta Quest immersive technology, this interactive session will take you inside the world of space operations, showcasing the skills, opportunities, technologies and strategic thinking in the rapidly growing space sector.

Tri Service Esports Showcase live streamed

Location: Cyber and Specialist Operations Command Stand (CSOC)

Who will be the Next Gen Day Armed Forces eSports Champion Team? Visit the CSOC Stand to watch the Army, Navy and RAF eSports teams competing at Call of Duty and League of Legends throughout the day. Meet representatives of the teams to learn more about the competition as teams battle it out on the big screen and find out how eSports and gaming are used to build effective teams and develop our people’s skills and camaraderie in all three of our Armed Forces.

 

 

NextGen Career Specialism Trails

Navigate the DSEI UK exhibition with purpose through self-guided career trails. Each one connects you with key organisations and early career recruiters from government, the armed forces, and industry. Your experience is entirely your own—Duration of trails are unique to the individual and the conversations had along the way.

Engineering & Space Careers Trail

Discover a wide range of roles in engineering, manufacturing, systems design, software development, aerospace, and space technologies. Ideal for those passionate about designing and building defence capability.

Cyber, Tech & Security Careers Trail

Explore careers in cyber security, AI, data science, software engineering, IT, and intelligence analysis. Perfect for digital problem-solvers and tech innovators looking to shape secure, cutting-edge solutions and decision making advantage.

Business Management Careers Trail

Connect with opportunities in business development, operations, HR, finance, consulting, project management, marketing, supply chain, procurement, and sales. Designed for future leaders and strategic thinkers in the business world.

Science, Medicine & Healthcare Careers Trail

Ideal for those with specialisms in biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, healthcare and environmental sciences. Discover the sciences contribution to the defence enterprise.

Civil Service Careers Trail

Uncover the many, diverse career paths within government from strategic positions in intelligence and defence through specialist technical roles and developing public policy to management and administration at home and overseas. If you want a role in informing and shaping national decisions and public service delivery then this is the trail to follow.

Military Careers Trail

Explore roles across the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force. From deploying on the frontline to supporting global operations, careers in the UK’s Armed Forces include opportunities in engineering, aviation and space, medicine, cyber technologies, logistics, music, communications administration and innovation. This is the trail for those drawn to military service, leadership and technical expertise in defence.

Activities on Exhibition Stands

Explore hands-on activities and real-world demonstrations across exhibitor stands as part of the NextGen Careers Trails.

Each stand offers unique insights into the skills, technologies, and opportunities shaping the future of defence - giving you a closer look at the people and innovations driving the sector forward.

 

Land Wargaming -Preparing tactical leaders for future challenges. 

Exhibitor: Sirius Analysis Ltd

Location: International Pavillions Zone

Stand: N4-346

Try your hand at wargaming with the Sirius team and learn to make quicker, smarter decisions. 

Discover the University of Lincoln’s bespoke training options and specialist programmes

Exhibitor: Defence in Lincolnshire, University of Lincoln

Location: Tech Zone

Stand: S13-230

Discover the University of Lincoln’s bespoke training options and specialist programmes, designed to upskill the next generation of defence professionals. Our portfolio covers AI, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), Engineering, Leadership & Management training — and much more, equipping talent with the skills and knowledge to meet the evolving challenges of the defence and security sector.

VR Demonstration of Mission Planning and Rehearsal

Exhibitor: Maxar Intelligence

Location: Space and Tech Zone

Stand: S1-210, S16-110

Demonstrating two implementations of virtual/synthetic environments – mission planning and rehearsal… 

Data Link Network Manager Demonstration

Exhibitor: TCI | ECS SPX Communication Technologies 

Location: ASD Pavillion Zone

Stand: N6-130, C-05

Evenlode Connect is a unique airborne network manager that automatically switches between various transmission platforms (COFDM, SATCOM, LTE, Cellular, and MESH) to ensure continuous video, audio, and data transmission between air and ground, across the most challenging topographies and geographies. It solves the problem of network outages and signal black spots, providing uninterrupted communication where operational success is critical.

Mission Impossible: Immerse yourself in an operation and deliver aid in a race against time

Exhibitor: Fujitsu

Location: Tech Zone

Stand: S13-300

Immerse yourself in Operation Zephyr: Crisis in Nambodia, where your decisions shape the fate of a nation in turmoil. Fuse multiple data sources and leverage the power of Agentic AI to navigate crises, make swift choices, and deliver aid in a race against time. Can you restore order amidst chaos? The future of Nambodia depends on you.

From Data to Decisions in the Undersea Battlespace

Exhibitor: SEA (Systems Engineering and Assessment)

Location: Hall N6 Entrance

Stand: N6-120

At DSEI, our Next Generation session on the stand will showcase a demonstration of KraitSense, highlighting its role in delivering enhanced situational awareness and enabling rapid decision for operators and other naval personnel. 

Serco's CV Clinic

Exhibitor: Serco

Location: Aerospace Zone

Stand: S3-115

The Serco Talent Acquisition team will be available for career discussions on the day and will also be delivering CV writing and interview skills workshops to students, come along to our stand to find out more about careers in defence and to expand your thinking and knowledge around cv writing and getting the best out of interviews ahead of your career development.

Discover Future Engineering Tech and hear from experts with QinetiQ

Exhibitor: QinetiQ Ltd

Location: Hall N7 Entrance

Stand: S7-110

Come and discover some of the latest tech applications for defence like DRAGONFIRE and speak to our experts about how it all works. On hand career and skills advice from our team of advisors.

Join The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group and step into the world of Defence where digital skills come to life from 11:00-15:00

Exhibitor: The NAD Group

Location: Tech Zone

Stand: Maritime Suite, Connaught Room 2 (Level 3)

There will be opportunities to hear from leaders why cyber, data, AI and cloud are just as critical as tanks and planes, explore cutting-edge tech in action, tackle a fast-paced hands on challenge with industry leaders and get the inside scoop on career paths from grads already making their mark.

Skilled workforce of the future: Discover how Australia, United Kingdom and the United States of America are building the skilled workforce of tomorrow from 11:00-15:00

Exhibitor: AUKUS

Location: Naval Zone

Stand: A-112

Hear from government and industry leaders on skills, recruitment, and opportunities that are shaping our collaborative future. Join us throughout the day for presentations, insights, and networking focused on preparing the next generation for AUKUS.  

11:00 Opening Remarks (UK Defence Nuclear Enterprise) 

11:30 AUS Government Presentation (Australian Submarine Agency) 

13:00 Industry Presentation (Rolls-Royce Submarines) 

13:30 Industry Presentation (BAE Systems) 

14:00 Industry Presentation (Babcock)

Supercharge your career! Get top tips from BAE systems experts from 11:30-2:00

Exhibitor: BAE Systems

Location: Hall N6 Entrance

Stand: N6-250

Join an interactive panel session hosted by our apprentice of the year and gain unique insights into life at BAE Systems. Chat with our specialist recruitment teams and find out the careers and roles available at BAE Systems right now. We’ve got teams on hand to answer all your questions; whether you’re looking to join as an apprentice or graduate, you’re a veteran considering a new career in industry, or you’re seeking a new challenge.

The CSOC Stand is the focal point for NextGen Day visitors. Come visit the NextGen Day Advice Hub with your questions about defence careers.

Exhibitor: CSOC

Location: Tech Zone

Stand: Maritime Hall 2, Stand S13-310

Visit the CSOC stand on 12 Sep to see the top eSports talent from the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force competing in a Tri-Service Esports Showcase.

Featuring competitive gameplay across several esports titles, learn how eSports supports:

  • Teamwork, leadership, and resilience
  • Defence’s commitment to emerging technologies and force development

Experience live matches with commentary and see how esports is integrated into Defence culture and capability.

Want to find out more about NextGen?

Whether you're nurturing future talent or shaping strategic workforce plans, the NextGen programme is your opportunity to connect, discover, and influence the next generation of defence. From students and educators to industry, military, and government professionals, NextGen brings the right people together to create meaningful career pathways and spark innovation across the sector.

Use the buttons below to discover more about the programme or to register your interest to attend the NextGen Day

Find Out More    Register Your Interest


 

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