Record Number of Higher Apprentices

Today’s announcement is part of BAE Systems’ ongoing commitment to nurture talent and high end skills as one of the largest recruiters of apprentices in the UK. The BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme offers vocational experience as well as training up to degree and masters level, providing apprentices with the opportunity of full time employment with a recognised qualification at the end of their training.

For the first time the Company will also offer a masters level apprenticeship, with 18 employees due to start the Systems Engineering Level 7 apprenticeship at Cranfield University this year.

The BAE Systems’ apprenticeship scheme is open for applications until the end of February 2016. Successful candidates will join the Company’s three to five year training programmes working towards designing, building and supporting some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions.

Nigel Whitehead, Group Managing Director, Programmes and Support, BAE Systems, said:

“BAE Systems is a company with great ambitions and nurturing a high calibre workforce is vital to our future. We take great pride in the record number of higher level apprenticeships on offer this year and the exciting introduction of master level degrees for our existing employees. BAE Systems remains committed to developing the skills needed in our sector and our apprentices enjoy not only high quality training but real hands-on experience developing, building and supporting the cutting-edge products that will safeguard our national security in years to come.”

Half of the 680 apprentices joining the business this year will be based at the submarine design and manufacturing site in Barrow-in-Furness shipyard in Cumbria, delivering the remaining Astute class attack submarines and developing and building the new 'Successor' submarines.

BAE Systems invests more than £80m in education and skills annually and is committed to offering high quality training programmes. The Company operates 19 new Apprenticeships Standards and Assessment Plans developed by Aerospace, Airworthiness and Maritime Defence Apprenticeship Trailblazer Groups, led by BAE Systems.

These Standards, approved by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills in 2015 are designed to ensure that every apprentice in England is enrolled on a programme that meets employers' needs, the needs of their sector, the economy more widely and moreover represents a fantastic development opportunity for the apprentices themselves.

Applications for the majority of apprentice opportunities can be made until 29th February 2016. For more details of BAE Systems’ apprentice vacancies visit: http://www.baesystems.com/apprentices

The breakdown of vacancies available across the UK by region:

Scotland

35 advanced apprentice roles and 8 higher apprentice roles at the Company’s naval shipbuilding business in Glasgow

Wales

2 advanced apprentice roles and 2 higher apprentice roles at the Company’s munitions production site in Glascoed

England, North West

309 advanced apprentice roles and 39 higher apprentice roles at the Company’s submarine design and manufacturing site in Barrow
67 advanced apprentices roles, 20 higher apprentices and 23 degree apprentices at the Company’s military air and information business in Warton and Samlesbury

England, North East

51 advanced apprentice roles at the Company’s aircraft maintenance academy in Humberside
12 advanced apprentice roles and 2 degree apprentice roles in the Company’s military air and information business in Brough
3 advanced apprentice roles at the company’s Land UK business in Washington

England, South

2 higher apprentice roles in Ash Vale and 2 higher apprentice roles in Weymouth at the Company’s submarine business
3 higher apprentice roles at the Company’s cyber security and intelligence business in Guildford, Surrey
43 advanced apprentice roles and 35 higher apprentice roles at the maritime sites in Portsmouth, Cowes and New Malden and Frimley
10 advanced apprentice roles at the electronic systems business in Rochester, Kent
6 degree apprentice roles at the Company’s military air and information business in in Yeovil

England, Midlands