Earlier this week BAE systems announced record numbers of apprentices and graduates that it expects to take on during the course of 2023, with more than 2600 set to join the business including almost 900 in the North West alone.
This announcement represents a 43% increase on the early careers intake for 2022. The majority of roles will be based in the North of England, with opportunities also available across the South of England, Scotland and Wales, supporting the UK Government’s aspiration to put education at the heart of plans to stimulate economic growth.
499 of the roles offered will be at BAE’s Warton and Samlesbury sites at the heart of Lancashire where they already have a significant presence.
Nigel Evans MP said of the announcement:
“I am absolutely thrilled that BAE Systems will be investing so substantially into the next generation of engineers and professionals in the UK. Having represented BAE in Samlesbury for over 30 years I know first hand what a positive benefit these high-quality jobs have, and its brilliant to see BAE investing in the next generation across the whole of the UK.
“To be recruiting almost 500 across Warton and Samlesbury alone represents a real vote of confidence in the area and its people, and I am delighted that new jobseekers from the Ribble Valley will have so many more opportunities available to them as a result of this decision.”
Tania Gandamihardja, Group Director of Human Resources at BAE Systems, said:
“Faced with economic challenges not seen in a generation, it’s essential for businesses like ours to invest in the next generation to equip young people with the skills they need to achieve their full potential and support social mobility.
“Providing high-quality early careers programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment and helps recruit the talent we need to deliver on vital national defence and security programmes, such as the Tempest next-generation combat aircraft and Dreadnought nuclear submarines.”
Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, said:
“Apprenticeships are the catalyst to boosting the economy, building a skills nation and extending the ladder of opportunity to all.
“It’s extraordinary to see leading apprentice employer BAE Systems plan to recruit over 2,600 apprentices and graduates this year across key industries including cyber security, aerospace engineering and software development.”
With more than 50 programmes available, there are opportunities in areas including cyber security, software development, aerospace engineering, accountancy and human resources. Successful applicants will work on some of the world’s most advanced technology programmes, playing an important role in delivering essential equipment and services to the armed forces and security services to protect the nation’s defence and security.
BAE Systems invests approximately £100m in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK annually and currently has almost 4,300 apprentices and graduates in training across its UK businesses, equivalent to more than 10% of its 35,000 strong UK workforce.
Around 95% of apprentice trainees complete their apprenticeship with BAE Systems and go on to secure full time employment with the Company. BAE Systems apprenticeship programme is rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ and the Company recently ranked in the Top 10 of the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Employers and Top 25 for The Times’ Graduate Employers.
The closing date for apprentice applications is 28 February 2023. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, June and September. Find out more and apply: www.baesystems.com/earlycareers
Additionally, there are thousands of roles available across the UK for experienced professionals. Find out more and apply: www.baesystems.com/experiencedprofessionals