Mission Accomplished: Remote Work Experience in Defence and Security

Defence and Security with QinetiQ 

QinetiQ is a British defence and security technology company known for its world-class engineering, scientific expertise, and innovation in defence systems. In October 2024, April 2025 and July 2025, QinetiQ hosted three 3-day online (remote) work experience placements for students across the UK – giving young people an inside look at the exciting world of defence, security, and cutting-edge technology.

“We offer work experience because we want to inspire the next generation and show them the breadth of opportunities within cyber security and defence. It’s a sector that makes a real difference — and there’s space for a wide range of talents and interests.” – Ben Tucker, QinetiQ

Exploring Careers in Defence and Technology

The virtual work experience placements introduced students to professionals from across QinetiQ, learning about their day-to-day roles and career journeys. These remote sessions helped students see that STEM work experience can lead to diverse and rewarding pathways – not just in labs or on bases, but in creative, strategic, and digital roles too.

As part of the placement, students were challenged with a real-world style project brief: to design and present a solution for a space transport system. Working collaboratively, each team developed their ideas and pitched their proposals to QinetiQ mentors.

This hands-on task gave participants a genuine insight into how projects in defence and technology come together – blending creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. It also showed that innovation in defence isn’t just about hardware or coding; it’s about critical thinking and collaboration across disciplines.

Student feedback

“I liked hearing about what QinetiQ entails and the different insights of what the people working there do and what they had to do to get into that field. I found these both informative and interesting in helping me develop my own thoughts on what I want to do in the future and what I need to do to be successful within that." – Student, 17

“It was so fun and friendly, I REALLY enjoyed it!!! I was really interested in all of the consultants’ stories and how they managed to get their jobs at QinetiQ. I also really enjoyed working with my team for the bid proposal presentation." – Student, 17

Skills Developed Through Defence Work Experience

The remote placements helped students develop transferable skills essential for any career in engineering, cyber security, or defence technology.

Key outcomes:

Students rated their remote work experience 4.5 out of 5 stars.

90% said they improved their problem-solving skills through the placement.

Alongside technical knowledge, the experience built confidence, communication, and leadership – skills that are highly valued across all STEM career pathways.

Advice for Young People 

“The sector is incredibly diverse. It needs people with all kinds of skills, from project management and engineering to communications, design, and cyber security. It’s about creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork just as much as technical expertise, and it’s open to everyone who’s curious, motivated, and eager to make an impact.” – Ben Tucker, QinetiQ

Whether your interests lie in engineering work experience, cyber security, or STEM innovation, defence is a sector full of opportunity. It’s a place where technical ability meets creativity, and where your ideas can help shape a safer future.

Learn more about early careers with QinetiQ here. 

Employer Insights 

“Offering work experience is a chance to inspire the next generation and help them see the exciting opportunities in your sector… it’s a way to give back, showcase the variety and impact of your work, and connect with the next wave of people who could make a real difference.” – Ben Tucker, QinetiQ

Virtual placements allow employers to engage students from across the UK, reach new talent remotely and demonstrate the positive impact of their work in a flexible, accessible way.

Discover Work Experience for Yourself

Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started.

Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors.

* Image source: https://www.qinetiq.com/en/