The next generation prefer to work closer to home

Picture courtesy of BAE Systems

In a survey ahead of National Apprenticeship Week taking place this week (7-13 February), BAE Systems found that young people have a strong preference towards their local community when it comes to looking for their future career — 86% of 16-24 year olds surveyed said they would like to secure a job close to where they live.

As well as a strong desire to remain local, young people are also thinking about what career path is best suited to them. Many think that apprenticeships offer the best option; almost three-quarters (73%) say they would consider an apprenticeship, an increase of 7% when compared to the previous year.

The company, which invests significantly in the development of young people through its 50-plus apprenticeship programmes, is currently looking to recruit more than 900 apprentices and 750 graduates and undergraduates across the UK — its largest ever intake. There are opportunities available in Scotland, Wales, the North and South of England, with many of these roles in some of the UK’s most economically challenged areas.

Renewed optimism
Despite the pandemic, the research found that more than two-thirds (71%) of young people are optimistic about their future career prospects, with more than half (53%) of those feeling confident that they will secure a job they find interesting and more than a third (35%) believing there are now more job opportunities available to them in the current job market.

Reflecting on the past two years, nearly two-thirds (63%) of young people now place more importance on their career and are motivated to work for a company which offers long-term job opportunities (36%) and the chance to continue their learning and development (36%).

Making a positive contribution to society also rates highly, with the majority of young people (82%) wanting to work for an organisation which has a clear purpose, with more than a quarter (26%) looking to pursue a career that makes a difference in the world.

When asked about the sectors they believe make the most positive contribution to society, healthcare (55%), education (51%) and science (37%) scored highly, while one in five (21%) also value the efforts of the defence industry in supporting the UK armed forces.

Richard Hamer, BAE Systems education and skills director, said: “It is encouraging that so many young people are considering apprenticeships. By providing opportunities in regions across the country to gain qualifications while they work, apprenticeships can play a vital role in supporting social mobility and the Government’s levelling up agenda.

“Our programmes equip young people with the skills and knowledge required to set them up for a successful and rewarding career with the opportunity to do important work, delivering programmes and equipment which will help to protect the UK for decades to come.”

The apprentice recruitment window is open until 28 February. For more information about early careers opportunities with the company or to apply, visit: www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/apprenticeships