BAE Systems to recruit a record 1,250 new apprentices and graduates

BAE Systems is to hire 1,250 new apprentices and graduates in 2021 – the highest number it has ever recruited in a single year.

The new roles will consist of 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles available across the UK, with a total of 763 of the roles to be based in the North West.

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.”

BAE said the new recruits will have the chance to be involved in some of the UK’s most exciting and technologically advanced programmes including Tempest – a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force and Dreadnought, a new generation of submarines for the Royal Navy.

Opportunities will be available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.

Reacting to the news, Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP, said: “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.”

Out of the 1,250, 763 will be based at the firm’s North West sites including Salmesbury, Warton and Barrow. 186 will be based in the South East, with 100 in Scotland. That is as well as 80 at the Brough site in Yorkshire and the Humber, 37 in the South West and 17 in Wales.