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3 minute read

BAE Systems to recruit 1,250 apprentices & graduates in 2021

BAE Systems is planning to hire more than 1,250 new trainees into its early careers programmes in 2021. More than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles will be available across the UK, the highest number it has ever recruited in a single year.

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 next-generation programmes including Tempest fighter jets for the Royal Air Force and Dreadnought submarines for the Royal Navy.

BAE Systems will hire a record 1,250 new apprentices and graduates into its early careers programmes in 2021 / Picture: BAE Systems

 

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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.”

Secretary of state for education, Rt Hon Gavin Williamson MP, added: “Apprenticeships are a great way to learn the skills needed to get ahead in a range of exciting industries including cyber security, maritime engineering and project management. As we build back better, apprenticeships will play a vital role in helping to rebuild our economy after the pandemic.

“It’s fantastic to see BAE Systems continuing to innovate and invest in apprenticeships giving more people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to progress. I encourage businesses of all sizes to follow their lead, recruiting more apprentices to help take their business to the next level.”

The new recruits will have the chance to be involved in some of the UK’s most exciting and technologically advanced programmes including Tempest / Picture: BAE Systems

 

Asha Pickford, a first year higher apprentice at BAE Systems, said: “I’ve always wanted to gain hands-on experience whilst learning at the same time and I realised an apprenticeship was the best way of doing this. I joined the Maritime Services business in Portsmouth Naval Base in October and whilst the start of my training has been somewhat different to what I originally expected due to the pandemic, I’m fully immersed in my role and I’m looking forward to the exciting career opportunities ahead of me.”

As part of its commitment to do everything it can to support young people at this time, BAE Systems has recruited almost 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes. It is also 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 has also confirmed it will recruit more than 200 students for industrial placements or summer internships.

BAE Systems’ apprenticeship programmes aren’t just for school or college leavers; almost 10% of its apprentices are over 25 and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, it provides a wide range of opportunities to retrain. It has doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes it offers to more than 50, including options to study up to degree and masters levels, with opportunities available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.


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