Record number of apprentices recruited at BAE Systems

BAE Systems is continuing with its plan to recruit a record amount of apprentices, despite the current Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 9,000 people across the UK applied for the 800 apprenticeship roles in February this year. BAE has put in place measures, including virtual interviews, which have enabled the company to restart its recruitment drive with almost 2,000 shortlisted candidates.

Chief executive Charles Woodburn said: “Getting people back to work and creating new jobs, especially for younger people, is a national priority and we’re pleased to play our part in supporting the UK’s economic recovery. The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security. We’ve worked hard to adapt our application and training processes to allow education to continue, whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and new recruits.”

The successful applicants will begin their careers on one of more than 25 apprenticeship training programmes in our air, maritime and electronic systems divisions, with the majority joining from September to January.

Apprentices play a role in developing future combat air technologies for the Tempest programme in Warton, Lancashire, as well as in the design and build of Dreadnought submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Type 26 frigates in Glasgow.

Applicants could find themselves working alongside the Armed Forces at RAF Coningsby or Portsmouth Naval Base.

More than 70% of new apprenticeships are based in the North of England. Since 2016, BAE has invested more than £40 million in two Academies for Skills & Knowledge at Samlesbury, Lancashire, and Barrow-in-Furness to train and develop employees, including our apprentices.

The apprentices train in a number of disciplines including engineering, manufacturing, project management, finance, business administration and IT – representing a diverse and rigorous training programme.

In addition, BAE has recently introduced a new graduate programme, with multiple intakes through the year. The company plans to recruit approximately 250 graduates between September this year and June 2021, and is also offering more than 60 one-year industrial placements.

BAE Systems www.baesystems.com