HMS Glasgow under construction at BAE Systems yard in Govan (Picture: Royal Navy).

Technology

Defence giant BAE Systems to hire record number of apprentices and graduates

BAE Systems is set to hire almost 1,700 apprentices and graduates across the UK in 2022.

The creation of more than 900 apprentice and 750 graduate and undergraduate roles is the biggest intake of its kind the defence and aerospace company has ever offered in a single year.

Successful candidates will work on technology programmes including Tempest, a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force, as well as the design and build of Dreadnought submarines and Type 26 frigates for the Royal Navy and help to protect critical national infrastructure from cyber attacks.

Most of the roles will be based in the north of England, with opportunities also available across the south of England, Scotland and Wales.

Apprentices will have the opportunity to study and gain qualifications in a range of professions, including electronic systems design, cyber security, software development, aerospace engineering, accountancy and human resources.

Watch: Virtual tour of future Type 26 as it’s being built.

Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems, said: "Creating high-quality employment opportunities for young people across the country ensures we retain the critical capabilities we need to sustain our business for the long-term, while also helping to drive growth across the UK's regional economies.

"Early careers employees are the foundation of our future and the diversity of skills and experience they bring enables us to continue to innovate and deliver the very best technology and support to our Armed Forces."

BAE Systems said it invests almost £100m in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK annually and currently has nearly 3,300 apprentices and graduates in training across its UK businesses, equivalent to more than 9% of its 35,300-strong UK workforce.

Achieving a diverse, inclusive and flexible workplace is vital to its future, said the company, adding that around a quarter of new joiners to the business' early careers programmes this year were female, with 26% of apprentices coming from some of the country's most disadvantaged areas.