BAE Systems has revealed plans to hire more than 2,400 new apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates in its air, land and maritime businesses across the UK next year, constituting approximately 15% of the company’s UK workforce.
The company expects nearly 1,300 apprentices to join in 2025, with most roles based in the North of England and additional opportunities in the South of England, Scotland, and Wales.
Go deeper with GlobalData
It also plans to hire more than 1,100 graduates and undergraduates, offering them opportunities to work on technology programmes such as the Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s next-generation submarines, SSN-AUKUS.
The company anticipates a £230m ($291.57m) investment in education and skills in the coming year, bringing the total expenditure on upskilling across the UK since 2020 to more than £1bn.
The funding, which has increased annually since the Covid-19 pandemic, focuses on UK apprentices, graduates, experienced employees, and education outreach.
The investments have facilitated the opening of BAE Systems’ third multi-million-pound skills academy in Glasgow 2024, joining its existing academies in Barrow and Samlesbury.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataUK Defence Secretary John Healey 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.”
To maximise its talent pool, BAE Systems aims to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace, essential for developing a future skills and talent pipeline.
This year, 30% of the company’s new apprentice starters are female, double the 15% average in the UK engineering community, and one in three new graduate starters comes from ethnic minority backgrounds.
BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn 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.”
In November 2024, BAE Systems commenced construction of the fifth of eight Type 26 anti-submarine warfare frigates for the Royal Navy, marked by a steel cutting ceremony at its Govan shipyard in Glasgow.
