The UK government has announced a new employment target linked to the National Wealth Fund, with plans to create and support a further 130,000 jobs across the United Kingdom by 2030. The announcement was made by HM Treasury on 28 September 2026 as part of a wider package intended to help people access employment, education and training while strengthening the skilled workforce.

The National Wealth Fund is a government-backed investment institution that provides finance to businesses, infrastructure projects and strategic industries. Rather than operating as a conventional recruitment agency, it uses investment to help projects move forward, encourage private sector investment and support economic activity that may generate or sustain employment.

The 130,000 jobs target is therefore an investment and employment ambition, not a promise that every person will receive a job offer or that 130,000 new vacancies will immediately become available. People looking for work, businesses considering investment and organisations working in relevant industries should understand how the plan is expected to operate.

Official announcement: Chancellor backs young people into work by supporting jobs.

1. What is the National Wealth Fund jobs plan?

The National Wealth Fund is the UK government investment institution responsible for helping finance projects and businesses that support economic growth, infrastructure development and the transition to clean energy. It was launched in October 2024, building on the work of the UK Infrastructure Bank.

The institution can provide different forms of finance to help projects attract investment and proceed when ordinary private finance may not be sufficient on its own. Its activity can help unlock investment in facilities, technology, infrastructure and industrial supply chains.

On 28 September 2026, HM Treasury announced that the government would use the National Wealth Fund current capitalisation to create and support a further 130,000 jobs across the UK by 2030.

The announcement forms part of a wider employment package that also includes expanding local apprenticeship services and restoring the Union Learning Fund with £15 million a year to help people develop new skills.

The important point is that the National Wealth Fund jobs target is connected to investment activity. It does not mean the fund will publish one national vacancy list containing 130,000 positions or pay a standard employment grant to every jobseeker.

Official background: About the National Wealth Fund.

2. What does the 130,000 jobs target actually mean?

The phrase create and support jobs covers more than one employment outcome. Investment can help a company expand its workforce, enable a new facility to open, strengthen a supply chain or help an existing employer maintain jobs while developing its business.

For example, a clean energy project may require engineers, construction workers, technicians, maintenance specialists and suppliers. A technology business may need software developers, cybersecurity specialists, data professionals and technical support staff. Investment in industrial infrastructure can also generate demand for workers at suppliers and contractors.

The 130,000 figure is a government target for jobs created and supported by the investment activity. It should not be interpreted as 130,000 guaranteed new jobs on top of every existing position. Nor does the headline alone establish how many jobs will be full-time, permanent, entry-level or available to people without specialist qualifications.

The detailed employment impact will depend on the projects financed, the businesses involved, the skills they require and how job outcomes are measured.

3. Which industries could benefit from the jobs plan?

The September 2026 government announcement specifically highlights AI and technology, defence and clean energy. The National Wealth Fund broader strategic priorities also include advanced manufacturing and transport, alongside other sectors where investment can support economic growth.

AI and technology

Technology investment can support employment in software development, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, digital engineering, technical operations and business services. AI-related projects may create demand for specialist technical roles as well as jobs involving equipment installation, infrastructure management and support.

However, the announcement does not provide a separate number of jobs reserved for AI or software professionals. Actual opportunities will depend on individual investments and employers.

Defence and advanced manufacturing

Investment supporting defence-related industries and advanced manufacturing may benefit engineering businesses, component manufacturers, industrial technology suppliers and specialist contractors. Potential occupations include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, production, quality assurance, logistics and skilled technical work.

These opportunities may involve specific qualification, security, technical or experience requirements. Candidates should check the requirements of individual employers rather than assume every position will be open to all applicants.

Clean energy

Clean energy remains a major National Wealth Fund investment priority. Relevant projects may include renewable energy infrastructure, industrial decarbonisation, green hydrogen, carbon capture, electricity networks and supporting supply chains.

Depending on the project, employment demand may include construction, electrical installation, engineering, environmental services, project management, operations and maintenance.

Transport and infrastructure

Investment in infrastructure and transport-related projects can support engineering, construction, technical services, project delivery, logistics and maintenance. The precise occupations depend on the type, location and stage of each project.

These are illustrative occupations associated with the relevant sectors, not a confirmed list of vacancies funded by the National Wealth Fund. Specific recruitment opportunities must be verified through the businesses and project operators involved.

Official policy information: Statement of Strategic Priorities to the National Wealth Fund.

4. How will the National Wealth Fund help businesses create jobs?

The fund is designed to help mobilise investment rather than function as a general business grant programme. It can use financial products to support eligible projects and help attract additional private capital.

The investment process can work in several ways:

1. Identify an investment opportunity. A business or project needs funding for expansion, infrastructure or strategic development.
2. Assess the funding gap. The project may require a form or level of finance that is difficult to obtain entirely from private lenders or investors.
3. Evaluate the proposal. The National Wealth Fund assesses the investment case, risks, strategic relevance and financial structure.
4. Provide appropriate finance. If approved, the fund may use a suitable financial instrument to help the project proceed.
5. Attract further investment. National Wealth Fund participation may help mobilise finance from private sector investors and lenders.
6. Support business activity. The resulting investment may help projects expand, build infrastructure, develop supply chains or sustain employment.

Investment decisions are not automatic. Businesses must meet the fund criteria, and a project is not guaranteed finance merely because it operates in a priority sector or promises to create jobs.

The fund is wholly owned and backed by HM Treasury but operates with operational independence. Its investment approach is intended to support economic growth while maintaining appropriate financial discipline and public accountability.

Businesses can learn more from the official National Wealth Fund website.

5. Does the 130,000 jobs plan mean people can apply for jobs now?

The announcement does not create one central application form for 130,000 jobs. Recruitment will depend on the businesses, contractors, suppliers and projects supported by National Wealth Fund investment.

A person looking for work should therefore search for individual vacancies rather than apply to the National Wealth Fund for a guaranteed job under the headline target.

People can use the following routes to identify relevant opportunities:

• Find a Job: Search the official government job service for vacancies by occupation, employer and location.
• Employer career pages: Check companies working in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and infrastructure.
• Apprenticeships: Explore apprenticeship opportunities for people who want to develop practical skills while working.
• Local employment support: Ask a Work Coach or employment adviser about available training and recruitment support.
• Skills programmes: Investigate relevant qualifications, technical courses and sector-specific training before applying.

Official job search: Find a Job on GOV.UK.

Apprenticeship information: Explore apprenticeships in England.

Candidates should check each vacancy for its location, salary, working hours, qualifications, closing date and employer details. A vacancy should not be described as a National Wealth Fund-backed job unless there is reliable information confirming that connection.

6. What does the plan mean for young people and apprentices?

The jobs announcement was part of a wider government package focused on employment, skills and opportunities for young people. Alongside the National Wealth Fund target, the government announced plans to expand local apprenticeship services so more young people can connect with employers.

This may matter to school leavers, college students, people changing careers and young adults seeking a route into technical industries. Apprenticeships can combine paid employment with structured training and qualifications.

However, the 130,000 jobs target is not itself an apprenticeship entitlement. It does not guarantee that every young person will receive training, an apprenticeship place or a job offer.

Young people interested in relevant industries can prepare by:

• Researching the skills and qualifications required in their preferred sector.
• Checking apprenticeship vacancies and entry-level roles.
• Building relevant technical, digital or practical skills.
• Using local employment services to identify training and recruitment opportunities.
• Checking whether a particular employer or project has confirmed links to National Wealth Fund investment.

For current apprenticeship information, visit Apply for an apprenticeship.

7. Will the jobs be available across every part of the UK?

The government announcement sets a UK-wide target. The National Wealth Fund strategic approach also emphasises regional and local economic growth.

Investment can support activity in different nations and regions through projects, infrastructure, businesses and supply chains. However, this does not mean every region will receive the same investment amount or the same number of jobs.

The distribution of employment opportunities will depend on where projects are located, which industries receive finance, the availability of skilled workers and the decisions of individual businesses.

Some roles may be based at major project sites, while others may be offered by suppliers, engineering firms, technology companies and service providers in connected locations.

Jobseekers should search by their preferred location and be prepared to check whether a role requires travel, relocation, site attendance or specialist qualifications.

8. How is the 130,000 jobs target different from the wider investment plan?

The 130,000 jobs announcement should be distinguished from the National Wealth Fund wider strategic plan published in January 2026.

The fund strategic plan set out an ambition to deploy its remaining capital by 2030–31, support more than 200,000 jobs and drive over £100 billion of investment into the UK economy. The September 2026 government announcement separately referred to creating and supporting a further 130,000 jobs by 2030 using the existing capitalisation.

These figures refer to different announcements and should not be added together as if they were separate guaranteed employment outcomes. The published headlines also do not, by themselves, establish that every job counted under one target is entirely additional to every job counted under another.

Official strategic plan: National Wealth Fund to drive more than £100 billion into the UK economy.

9. How can businesses find out whether they may receive National Wealth Fund investment?

Businesses seeking finance should begin by reviewing the National Wealth Fund investment priorities and the type of financial support the institution provides. The fund is intended to help eligible projects attract investment, particularly where public finance can help unlock additional private capital.

A business considering an investment proposal should prepare:

• A clear description of the project and its strategic relevance.
• The total investment required and the intended use of funds.
• Financial forecasts, risks and a realistic delivery timetable.
• Details of other investors, lenders and financing already secured.
• Evidence of the proposed economic impact and any employment outcomes.
• Information about the supply chain, location and relevant environmental or industrial benefits.

These are useful preparation points, not a complete formal application checklist. The appropriate process will depend on the type of finance, the project and the fund requirements.

The National Wealth Fund does not promise investment to every company that meets a broad sector description. Businesses should contact the institution through its official website and confirm whether their project fits the current investment mandate.

Official website: National Wealth Fund.

10. What should jobseekers do now?

The jobs target is a long-term economic objective, so jobseekers should focus on current vacancies and training routes rather than waiting for a central application process linked to the headline number.

1. Choose a relevant industry. Research technology, clean energy, engineering, manufacturing or infrastructure roles that match your interests and experience.
2. Check live vacancies. Use official job-search services and employer career pages.
3. Review entry requirements. Identify the qualifications, experience, licences or technical skills required.
4. Explore apprenticeships and training. Look for routes that help you build the skills employers need.
5. Prepare your CV. Highlight relevant experience, transferable skills and evidence of practical ability.
6. Verify claims about funding. Confirm that a vacancy or training opportunity is genuine and that any advertised support is described accurately.

People who are unemployed or need additional support can also contact Jobcentre Plus or use official government employment services to discuss suitable work, training and available support.

11. Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

The UK National Wealth Fund jobs plan aims to create and support a further 130,000 jobs by 2030 through investment across the economy. The September 2026 announcement identifies AI and technology, defence and clean energy as important sectors, while the fund wider strategy also supports advanced manufacturing, transport and infrastructure.

For jobseekers, the announcement signals a long-term employment ambition rather than a direct job entitlement. Current vacancies will be advertised by individual employers and project operators, and the skills required will vary by industry and location.

Businesses interested in investment should review the fund priorities and contact the National Wealth Fund through official channels. The number of jobs ultimately created or supported will depend on investment decisions, project delivery and the employment outcomes achieved across participating businesses.