STARK UK's Swindon drone factory has taken on its initial cohort of apprentices to strengthen its tactical drone production capabilities.
The announcement was delivered on May 26, 2026, by Swindon North MP Will Stone in coordination with STARK UK managing director Mike Armstrong.
Operations at the facility commenced after its 2025 opening, with manufacturing beginning in November 2025 once the company had secured more than 100 employees. Production targets call for the output of hundreds of tactical drones by April.
"STARK has just brought its first cohort of apprentices into the Swindon factory. They have more summer placements and placement years for STEM-related roles coming out through the summer," Will Stone, Swindon North MP, stated.
The program introduces structured training opportunities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields directly tied to drone systems development.
Further placements are scheduled to roll out across the summer months of 2026, including both short-term summer roles and full placement years.
This marks the beginning of workforce expansion efforts at the site dedicated to unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturing.
The factory's establishment in Swindon reflects strategic decisions to localize drone manufacturing within the United Kingdom. Staff numbers have grown rapidly since the start of production in late 2025.
Apprentices will gain hands-on experience in assembly, testing and quality control processes essential for tactical drone systems.
The emphasis on STEM placements addresses skill shortages in the unmanned systems industry. Additional cohorts are expected as the company scales operations toward its production goals.
The recruitment aligns with broader industry trends toward developing domestic capabilities in advanced drone technologies for various applications.
Local representatives have expressed support for the initiative as a means to create skilled jobs in the region.
STARK UK continues to build its presence in Swindon as a center for innovative unmanned systems production. Details of the specific roles for the apprentices have not been disclosed at this stage.
