BAE Systems, one of the world’s leading defense contractors, has announced plans to hire 1,700 apprentices and graduates in the UK. The move is part of the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation of talent and supporting the UK’s economic recovery.
The new hires will be spread across the company’s sites in the UK, including its submarine-building facility in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and its aerospace manufacturing plant in Samlesbury, Lancashire. The roles will cover a range of disciplines, including engineering, project management, finance, and business administration.
The apprenticeships will be offered through the company’s award-winning Early Careers program, which provides young people with the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop their skills while earning a salary. The program includes a mix of on-the-job training and classroom-based learning, as well as mentoring and support from experienced professionals.
In addition to the apprenticeships, BAE Systems will also be hiring graduates for a range of roles, including engineering, software development, and business management. The company is looking for candidates with a strong academic background and a passion for innovation and problem-solving.
The announcement has been welcomed by the UK government, which has been urging businesses to invest in apprenticeships and graduate schemes as part of its efforts to boost the country’s economic recovery. The government has set a target of creating 600,000 new apprenticeships by 2024, and has introduced a range of incentives to encourage businesses to take on apprentices.
BAE Systems has a long history of investing in apprenticeships and graduate schemes, and has been recognized as one of the UK’s top employers for young people. The company’s Early Careers program has won numerous awards, including the Best School Leaver/Apprenticeship Program at the 2020 UK Social Mobility Awards.
In a statement, BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn said: “Investing in the next generation of talent is essential for the future success of our business and the wider UK economy. We are committed to providing young people with the opportunity to develop their skills and build rewarding careers in the exciting and dynamic world of defense and aerospace.”
The recruitment drive is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with the new hires starting their roles in September 2021. It is a positive sign for the UK’s economic recovery, and a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the country’s young people in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
