BAE Systems are hiring more than 1,250 new trainees into its early careers programmes in 2021- the highest number the company has ever recruited in a single year.

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, 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 almost 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes due to the pandemic.

And the company is taking part in the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which will enable it to offer six month job placements to a further 30 young people and recruit more than 200 students for industrial placements or summer internships.

Asha Pickford, a first year Higher Apprentice at BAE Systems, said: “I’ve always wanted to gain hands-on experience whilst 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 whilst the start of my training has been somewhat different to what I originally expected due to the pandemic, I’m fully immersed in my role and I’m looking forward to the exciting career opportunities ahead of me.”

The apprenticeship programmes are not just for school or college leavers; almost 10% of BAE apprentices are over 25 and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, they provide a wide range of opportunities to retrain.

BAE has doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes on offer 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.

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.