3 min read - 3 Dec, 2025
Record number of young people in training at BAE Systems
As BAE Systems announces that applications for its 2026 apprenticeship intake are open, the company has reached a record achievement with more than 6,800 young people in training across its UK operations. This figure includes approximately 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates.
Since 2020, the company has recruited more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates and invested over £1bn in education and skills, strengthening the nation’s industrial skills base while contributing to local and national economic development.
In 2026, BAE Systems expects to recruit more than 1,100 apprentices in the UK, with most roles based in the North of England, alongside other opportunities in the South of England, Scotland and Wales.
The company also plans to hire close to 1,200 graduates and undergraduates, offering opportunities to work on some of the world’s most advanced defence and security programmes. These highly skilled individuals will contribute to projects of significant international importance, including the Global Combat Air Programme, the UK’s next-generation SSN-AUKUS submarines and Type-26 frigates, alongside disruptive technologies such as cyber, space and drone capabilities.
BAE Systems has reached a record achievement with more than 6,800 young people in training across its UK operations / Picture: BAE Systems
Charles Woodburn, chief executive, BAE Systems, said: “The record number of apprentices and graduates in our business working on some of the world’s most important defence programmes highlights the exceptional talent of young people in this country and our commitment to developing the skills vital for our nation’s future security. With more than 60 programmes across the UK, we’re proud to offer opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers, helping to protect those who protect us.”
Over recent years, significant investment by BAE Systems has enabled the creation of three multi-million pound skills academies in Barrow, Glasgow and Samlesbury, which upskill thousands of employees each year to maintain the advanced STEM capabilities critical to the UK’s sovereign defence.
The company also has a range of partnerships with colleges, universities and social mobility champions, like the Movement to Work charity.
Cheyenne, 29, third year Steelwork Apprentice at BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “I joined BAE Systems to challenge myself and take on something new. The steelworker apprenticeship stood out because of its variety and hands-on experience, and it’s been exactly what I hoped for.
“Working on a programme that’s critical to the UK’s defence is something I’m very proud of. Seeing submarines at different stages of build really shows the importance of my role and the contribution we’re making to protect our nation.”
In 2026, the company plans to recruit almost 2,300 apprentices, graduates and undergraduates across the UK / Picture: BAE Systems
With more than 60 programmes available across the company in the UK, there are opportunities at every level, from steelwork and engineering to cyber security, software development, finance and project management.
BAE Systems is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and recruiting people from a wide range of backgrounds, which is vital to developing a future skills and talent pipeline. This year, almost 30% of new apprentice starters were female, compared to 17% in the wider UK engineering and technology sector.
Applications for the 2026 apprenticeship intake are now open. This window will close when a sufficient number of applications have been received, no later than the end of February 2026. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, April, July, August and September. Find out more and apply here.
Early careers opportunities are just one part of the company’s wider recruitment drive. BAE Systems is currently recruiting thousands of skilled workers from steelworkers to data scientists across the UK. Further information here.
