BAE Systems to recruit a record 1250 new apprentices and graduates

Air December 30, 2020

BAE Systems are hiring more than 1,250 new trainees into early careers programmes in 2021.

More than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles are available across the UK, the highest number the Company have ever recruited in a single year, despite the ongoing pandemic.

Around 75% of apprenticeships and more than 50% of graduate roles are based in the North of England – providing critical employment and education opportunities in areas reliant on long-term job creation.

New recruits will have the chance to be involved in some of the UK’s most exciting and technologically advanced programmes including Tempest, a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force and Dreadnought, a new generation of submarines for the Royal Navy.

As part of BAE System’s commitment to supporting young people at this time, we the Company have recruited almost 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes.

BAE Systems also been taking part in the Government’s Kickstart scheme which will enable the Company to offer six month job placements to a further 30 young people and recruit more than 200 students for industrial placements or summer internships.

The apprenticeship programmes aren’t only opened to school or college leavers; almost 10% of apprentices are over 25 and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, they provide a wide range of opportunities to retrain.

The type of apprenticeship programmes on offer has also doubled to more than 50, including options to study up to degree and masters levels.

Opportunities are available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, said: “Getting people back to work and creating high-quality jobs is a national priority. So, it’s more important than ever that those of us who are in a position to do so continue our investment in the UK workforce.

“We’re fortunate that our business is based on long-term critical defence programmes, giving us the confidence to increase our apprentice and graduate recruitment to create a strong talent pipeline, which enables us to continue delivering cutting-edge technologies, whilst playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”