Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • BAE Systems to recruit record breaking 800+ apprentices in the UK

Aerospace Defence

BAE Systems to recruit record breaking 800+ apprentices in the UK

BAE Systems will recruit more than 800 apprentices in the UK in 2020 – the highest number ever recruited.

Above: BAE Systems apprentices 2019.

The new recruits will join one of more than 25 apprenticeship programmes across BAE Systems' Air, Maritime, Land and Cyber divisions, benefitting from tailored schemes that combine recognised qualifications with on-the-job training.
 
The majority of the new apprentices will join either the Air or Maritime sectors where they will work on some of the most exciting and nationally important programmes in the UK. This includes developing future combat air technologies for the Royal Air Force and working on the Dreadnought programme – a new generation of submarine for the Royal Navy that will replace the current Vanguard class.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 
Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, said: “It is absolutely brilliant that BAE Systems offers such a huge range of high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. These apprenticeships will be a great way to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation, maritime and cyber security and will offer the chance to work on some of the UK’s most innovative and vital national programmes.”
 
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive, BAE Systems, said: “Our apprentices are the lifeblood of our business. I’m incredibly proud of the significant contribution they make to the design and delivery of our most complex products, equipment and services, helping to ensure we remain at the forefront of technology and innovation and safeguard our national security for decades to come.
 
“As technology and our workplace evolves, it’s critical that we continue to invest in training the next generation of engineers and leaders. By working alongside industry peers, government and the education sector, we can ensure we are ready to respond to complex challenges of the future.”
 
Khadijah Ismail, an Engineering Degree Apprentice in our Air sector, said: “There are many benefits to undertaking an apprenticeship, from gaining years of credible, on-the-job engineering experience, to some that are more personal. For example, helping me to more confidently offer my views in the workplace.
Advertisement
PTC rectangle

 
“Most significantly, my apprenticeship has allowed me to work alongside and learn from senior engineers and leaders from across our business. The opportunity I have to interact with different people and the exposure I have to a wide range of experiences is undoubtedly helping my development and shaping my future career prospects.”
 
BAE Systems invested more than £100 million in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK in 2018 and have around 2,000 apprentices in training across our UK businesses at any given time, with around 95% securing permanent roles. It currently employ more than 34,000 people in the UK and is one of the country’s largest employers of engineers, with around 66% of staff employed in engineering or engineering-related roles.
 
The apprenticeship recruitment window is open now and will run until 28th February 2020.

To apply or to find out more about the opportunities on offer at BAE Systems, visit: www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/apprenticeships/schemes

 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
GE Aerospace to expand UK and European production capacity

Aerospace

GE Aerospace to expand UK and European production capacity

19 March 2026

GE Aerospace plans to invest more than €110 million across its European manufacturing sites this year as it looks to expand production capacity, accelerate advanced manufacturing and strengthen delivery, including significant investment in the upgrade of multiple sites across the UK.

Boeing hosts UK supplier trade mission

Aerospace

Boeing hosts UK supplier trade mission

19 March 2026

Boeing has hosted its fifth UK supplier trade mission in Seattle, welcoming a new cohort of UK suppliers over two days for briefings, factory tours and targeted business meetings aimed at boosting opportunities for future collaboration.

Air Charter Scotland to continue Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO route to August

Aerospace

Air Charter Scotland to continue Wick-Aberdeen-Wick PSO route to August

19 March 2026

Air Charter Scotland have been successful in their bid to continue operating the Wick-Aberdeen-Wick Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, through to 14th August, 2026.

Anti-drone tech patents surge

Aerospace Defence Security

Anti-drone tech patents surge

19 March 2026

The number of patent applications for anti-drone (counter-UAV) technologies filed globally increased by 27% to 126 last year*, up from 99 the year before, according to new research from intellectual property (IP) law firm Mathys & Squire.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace secures five SAIL Mark projects

18 March 2026

Marshall Aerospace is advancing its expertise in the UK’s fast-growing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sector after securing five separate SAIL Mark assessment projects funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport.

Jet Zero Taskforce’s first annual report launched at SSWS

Aerospace Events

Jet Zero Taskforce’s first annual report launched at SSWS

18 March 2026

The UK Government and aviation industry yesterday set out significant progress towards decarbonising air travel, as Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Keir Mather MP launched the Jet Zero Taskforce’s first annual report at the Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS).

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner