BAE Systems plans to hire almost 1,700 apprentices and graduates across the UK in 2022.
The creation of more than 900 apprentice and 750 graduate and undergraduate roles is the largest intake of early careers roles offered by the company in a single year.
Most of the jobs will be based in the North of England, but there will be some opportunities in the South of England, Scotland and Wales.
Millions of apprentices employed in the past 11 years
According to House of Commons research, there were 719,000 people in an apprenticeship in England in 2019/20, with 4.75 million apprenticeships started since 2010.
BAE provides some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence within aerospace and security and employs a skilled workforce of almost 90,000 people in more than 40 countries.
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems, said it is important to create high quality employment opportunities for young people to ensure we retain the critical capabilities. He said companies need to sustain their businesses for the long-term and hiring young workers does this, while also helping to drive growth across the UK’s regional economies.
“Early career employees are the foundation of our future and the diversity of skills and experience they bring enables us to continue to innovate and deliver the very best technology and support to our armed forces.”
Minister for Apprenticeships and Skills, Alex Burghart commended the move by the security and aerospace firm.
He said: “Apprenticeships play a vital role in giving people the ability to earn while they learn, and the skills they need for the jobs of tomorrow. They also give businesses access to a diverse talent pipeline, equipped with the knowledge for success in a range of professions.”
Candidates to work in aerospace and security
BAE says successful candidates can look forward to working on some of the UK’s most nationally important technology programmes, including Tempest, a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force.
This is as well as the design and build of Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy and helping to protect critical national infrastructure from cyber attacks.
Chloe Silver is a first year Project Management Degree Apprentice in BAE Systems’ Submarines business.
She said she applied for an apprenticeship to help her gain more skills before going into the world of work: “It’s really important that young people can access job opportunities wherever they live, without having to move away. That’s exactly what I’ve experienced with the wide range of opportunities on offer at BAE Systems. Since joining the Company in September I’ve had some great highlights, including supporting the business’ early careers operations. I’m really excited for what the future holds.”
£100m invested in education
BAE said it is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace. In 2021, around a quarter of new joiners to its early careers programmes were female, with 26 percent of apprentices coming from some of the country’s most disadvantaged areas.
The company invests almost £100m in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK annually and currently has nearly 3,300 apprentices and graduates in training across its UK businesses, equivalent to more than nine per cent of its 35,300 strong UK workforce.
BAE says apprentices will have the opportunity to study and gain qualifications in a vast range of professions, including electronic systems design, cyber security, software development, aerospace engineering, accountancy and human resources.
Recently, BAE unveiled a new Masters-level sustainability apprenticeship which will play a key role in building a network of sustainability champions who will help to drive progress towards its net zero target.
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The closing date for apprentice applications at BAE is 28 February 2022.There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, June and September.
