BAE Systems is one of the UK's largest employers with over 34,000 staff and nearly two-thirds of those are employed in engineering-related rolesMajor manufacturer BAE Systems plans a 30 per cent increase in apprenticeships during 2019, with nearly 700 opportunities on offer in its land, air and maritime sectors.
The new apprentices will join one of 25 training programmes from September 2019, combining practical, hands-on employment with studying for a recognised qualification.
Nearly half of the apprenticeships will be recruited into the Air business, based at the company’s Lancashire sites in Samlesbury and Warton, to work on a wide range of projects including the Typhoon F-35 defence programme and to develop emerging technologies for future aircraft design and manufacture. There are also over 200 available placements at the firm’s base in Barrow, South Cumbria.
In addition to the increased number of engineering apprenticeships, which has doubled from previous years, there are numerous opportunities available in business, project management and finance roles.
BAE Systems is one of the UK’s largest employers with over 34,000 staff and nearly two-thirds of those are employed in engineering-related roles. With approximately 2000 apprentices in its programmes across the country at any one time, around 95 per cent of those go on to secure a permanent job each year and many take the chance to study further for Bachelors or Masters degrees once the three- to four-year apprenticeship is complete. The firm invests a considerable amount in training, research and development right along its supply chain as well as throughout the business itself.
Managers at BAE Systems have commented on their pride at being one of the largest apprentice employers in the UK and their continued commitment to the development of future talent. Developing essential skills in a new generation of business leaders, project managers and engineers is a high priority for the company, as it trains apprentices to grasp emerging technologies, provide innovative solutions and consolidate and enhance its place as one of the UK’s most cutting-edge firms.
BAE’s increase in apprenticeships has also met with the approval of Theresa May, who commented on the vital part that the UK’s businesses have to play in developing the skills of young people, something which both launches careers and enhances a company’s abilities and expertise. It is also in line with the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which plans to encourage further schemes of this nature to provide jobs and enhance the economy across the country.
BAE Systems has recently been recognised for its commitment to providing exceptional apprenticeships: it was named the UK’s top apprentice employer for 2018-19 on the Rate My Apprenticeship website and won two awards at the 2018 National Apprenticeship Awards, including the Recruitment Excellence Award.
