British multinational defence, security, and aerospace company, BAE Systems is hiring over 1,250 new trainees onto its early careers programme in 2021, more than have ever been recruited in a single year before.

The Westmorland Gazette reports that the new recruits will have chance to train and pick up valuable skills while working amongst some of the UK’s most technologically advanced and exciting programmes, which include future air combat system Tempest, for the Royal Air Force, and Dreadnaught, a brand new generation of submarines for the Royal Navy.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive 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 Systems has also recruited nearly 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.

The world-leading defence company is also taking part in the government’s Kickstart Scheme, meaning it will be able to offer six-month placements to a further 30 young people and recruit over 200 students to work in its industrial placements and summer internships.

One of the first-year intakes on the Higher Apprentice programme at BAE systems, Asha Pickford, said as he had always wanted to gain hands-on experience whilst learning at the same time.

“I realised an apprenticeship was the best way of doing this,” she said. She joined the Maritime Services business in Portsmouth Naval Base in October, noting that while the beginning of her training was different to what was expected due to the pandemic, she was fully immersed in the role, and looking forward to the career opportunities ahead.

However, not all of the apprenticeship programmes are solely for school and college leavers, as 10 per cent of BAE apprentices are 25 and over, and many who have been facing uncertainty during the current climate are provided with a wide range of opportunities to retrain.

BAE has doubled the number of apprenticeship programmes on offer to over 50, which include options to study up to degree and masters levels. From the apprenticeships on offer, candidates will be able to choose from a variety of roles, including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.

Ofsted has rated BAE’s apprenticeships as Outstanding and the programmes are named in the Department for Education’s list of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers. For more information about early careers opportunities with BAE Systems, visit https://baesystems.com/earlycareers.

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