Defence group announces over 1,500 apprentice and graduate roles across North-west

Defence manufacturer, BAE Systems, has announced it is currently recruiting for over 1,500 apprentice and entry-level graduate roles across its North-west sites.

Nationally, the group has over 2,700 open roles nationwide, with the currently recruitment drive following a £180 million investment in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK in 2023. BAE Systems also last year opened two multi-million pound state of the art training academies for employees, with another under construction.

Apprenticeship, undergraduate, and graduate levels, roles are available across the North West spanning Air, Digital Intelligence, Head Office, Land UK, Share Services, and Submarines, based at sites in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, Lancashire and Barrow. The announcement comes as the UK marks National Apprenticeship Week 2024 (5th to 11th February).

BAE Systems has a 94% retention rate for its apprentices, in excess of government targets, with more than 20% of apprentices in the over-25s age group, in demonstration of the possibilities for people to retrain in a sector which can offer long-term career opportunities.

Richard Hamer, Director for Education and Skills, BAE Systems, said:

“National Apprenticeship Week is vital for companies such as ours with more than one thousand vacancies to raise awareness for the exciting opportunities on offer up and down the country. Whether you’re just starting out in your career journey or are thinking about a career switch, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn new skills and contribute in a meaningful way.

“It’s also a brilliant opportunity to recognise those apprentices up and down the country that are already on their career journey with us, developing their skillsets and helping to develop the technology that helps defend our national security, they are the backbone of our future workforce and as a company we’re proud of the work they do.”

The closing date for apprentice applications is 28 February 2024, with graduate intakes throughout the year, including April, June and September.

Izzie Banks, a Craft Apprentice with BAE Systems Air, said of her experience:

“I knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship after watching my sister make a successful career out of her own apprentice journey. Doing a craft apprenticeship with BAE Systems was the right choice for me as I wanted to do more hands on work that was practical and tangible. Now I can earn while I learn and work in a supportive environment while also looking towards future opportunities such as working with robotics.”