BAE Systems has announced that it will recruit more than 1,250 new trainees into its early careers programmes in 2021.
More than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles will be available around the UK, the highest number it has ever recruited in a single year, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic disruption.
Around 75% of apprenticeships and more than 50% of graduate roles will be based in the North of England – providing critical employment and education opportunities in areas reliant on long-term job creation. 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.
Charles Woodburn, BAE Systems chief executive, 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 are 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, while playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”
As part of its commitment to do everything it can to support young people at this time, BAE Systems has recruited almost 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes.
The company is also taking part in the Government’s Kickstart scheme which will enable the company to offer six-month job placements to a further 30 young people and it is recruiting more than 200 students for industrial placements or summer internships.
BAE Systems’ apprenticeship programmes are not just aimed at school or college leavers; almost 10% of its apprentices are over 25 and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, they provide a wide range of opportunities to retrain.
The company has doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes it offers to more than 50, including options to study up to degree and masters levels. Opportunities are available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.
Gavin Williamson, Education Secretary, 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 is 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 companies of all sizes to follow their lead, recruiting more apprentices to help take their business to the next level.”
Asha Pickford, first-year higher apprentice, said: “I have always wanted to gain hands-on experience while learning at the same time and I realised an apprenticeship was the best way of doing this.
I joined the Maritime Services business in Portsmouth Naval Base in October and while the start of my training has been somewhat different to what I originally expected due to the pandemic, I am fully immersed in my role and am looking forward to the exciting career opportunities ahead of me.”
Throughout the pandemic, BAE Systems has worked hard to ensure its apprentices could continue their training, using a new virtual learning environment. Virtually all end point assessments due this year were completed on time, enabling apprentices completing their training to take the next steps in their careers with the company.
Unite assistant general secretary for manufacturing Steve Turner said: “BAE System’s announcement is tremendously positive news for UK manufacturing. It is absolutely essential that despite the pandemic companies continue to invest in the future.
“Without a steady stream of apprentices there is a real danger of skills being lost. Apprentices are the future of the UK’s manufacturing industry. Continuing apprentice recruitment is essential to tackle the long-term skills crisis which is holding back UK manufacturing.
“Companies that invest in skills will be the ones that are in the best place to meet the challenges of a post-Covid world and will be in pole position to win new contracts when work in sectors such as aerospace, recover from the recession.”