During 2019, BAE Systems plans to recruit nearly 700 apprentices in the UK — a 30% increase on last year.

The new recruits will join the group’s Air, Land and Maritime businesses in September and will embark on one of 25 training programmes, which provide the opportunity to combine full-time employment with studying for a recognised qualification.

The Air business is recruiting almost half of the company’s UK apprentices at its sites in Samlesbury and Warton, where they will have the opportunity to work on a range of projects including the Typhoon and F-35 (the world’s largest defence programme) and to play a key role in developing emerging technologies for future combat air systems.

The Prime Minister (Theresa May) said: “I am delighted that BAE Systems is taking on even more apprentices in 2019, with 700 young people being given the opportunity to kick-start their careers in this world-class firm.

"Britain’s businesses have a hugely important role to play in training the next generation, and they benefit by attracting diverse talent and improving their skills base.”

Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems’ CEO, said: “We are proud to be one of the UK’s largest employers of apprentices, and our plan to recruit nearly 700 this year reflects our on-going commitment to nurturing talent and developing high-end skills for the future.

"With technology becoming ever more advanced and integrated in the work-place, it is crucial that we train the next generation of engineers and business leaders to develop the skills that will be needed to drive innovation, solve complex challenges and build on our position as one of the UK’s most innovative and productive companies.”

BAE Systems (www.baesystems.com) invests about £90 million per year in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK, and it has around 2,000 apprentices in training throughout its UK businesses at any given time, with about 95% securing permanent roles at the end of their apprenticeship.

Most of these apprentices train for engineering-related roles and undergo a three- or four-year training programme, with many progressing to study for Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees.

The business also offers direct entry to degree apprenticeships.

BAE Systems currently employs over 34,000 people in the UK, with around 64% of its staff employed in engineering or engineering-related roles.