Record £1 billion skills investment as BAE Systems set to recruit thousands more apprentices and graduates in 2025

BAE Systems is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025, which will result in a record number of 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15% of its UK workforce.

An anticipated £230 million investment in education and skills next year will take the total amount spent on upskilling people across the UK since 2020 to beyond £1 billion.

The funding, which has grown year-on-year since the COVID-19 pandemic, is spent primarily on UK apprentices, graduates and experienced employees, as well as education outreach, helping to build on the Company’s reputation as a leader in growing the nation’s industrial skills base, whilst also contributing to local and national economic growth.

The investments have enabled BAE Systems to open its third multi-million pound skills academy in Glasgow this year, which expands on its established academies in Barrow and Samlesbury.

The Company also has a range of partnerships with colleges, universities and social mobility champions, like Movement to Work.

Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems said: "As the UK’s largest defence company, we rely on the skill and ingenuity of those who deliver our programmes, which is why it’s so crucial we continue to invest in our people. With thousands of roles open for application across the length and breadth of the country and our exciting high technology programmes, there has never been a better time to embark on a new career with us."

John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence said: "BAE Systems are a leading light in the UK defence industry and play a crucial role in keeping the men and women of our Armed Forces equipped on the front line. Defence offers exciting careers and this investment is a vote of confidence in the UK as a leader for cutting-edge employment, creating highly skilled jobs across the UK. National security is the foundation for national stability and growth. Our Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure our defence sector is an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our security and our economy."

Almost 1,300 apprentices are expected to join BAE Systems next year, with the majority of roles based in the North of England alongside opportunities across the South of England, Scotland and Wales.

BAE Systems also plans to hire more than 1,100 graduates and undergraduates, giving each cohort the chance to work on some of the world’s most advanced technology programmes including the Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s next-generation submarines known as SSN-AUKUS.

The Company’s award-winning early careers schemes are vital to developing the talent pipeline needed to deliver critical national security capability. They also help to build the next group of talented industrial leaders, with many former apprentices and graduates going on to become leaders in the Company.

With more than 60 programmes available, there are opportunities at every level, from steelwork and engineering to cyber security, software development, finance and project management.

In order to maximise its talent pool, BAE Systems is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, which is vital in developing a future skills and talent pipeline. This year, 30% of the Company’s new apprentice starters are female, compared to 15% in the UK engineering community. One in three of its new graduate starters this year came from ethnic minority backgrounds.

The closing date for apprentice applications is 28 February 2025. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, April, July, August and September. Find out more at baesystems.com/earlycareers