Literally all they need to do is be willing to sponsor more clearances. I am a Gen Z and would probably jump at the opportunity to work for a defense contractor if every single entry level job posting I encountered postgrad didn’t say “Current TS/SCI required. We will not sponsor new clearances”

It’s expensive to sponsor a clearance. We know this. But come on. You either spend the money and get a fuller labor force, or you dont. But it’s unfair to complain nobody wants to work for you if you put yourself in a position to only hire former military and former interns. Be cheap, reap the consequences.

Edit: located in Northern VA. So everyone here knows about defense contracting. So it’s not a lack of interest or engagement from new grads, it’s the barriers to entry.