Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems welcomes first Kickstart recruits

Defence Security

BAE Systems welcomes first Kickstart recruits

At the beginning of last week BAE Systems' welcomed its first intakes of Kickstart recruits to its UK businesses.

Image courtesy BAE Systems

In total BAE Systems will welcome more than 30 young people across its UK sites who will embark on placements which are designed to give them the opportunity to build their skills, confidence and gain experience with the aim of improving their chances of finding long-term work.
 
So far, cohorts have joined BAE Systems' Submarines, Land and Applied Intelligence businesses, with Maritime Services, Air and Naval Ships businesses preparing to welcome their recruits over the coming weeks.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Richard Hamer, Education and Skills Director, BAE Systems, said: "We look forward to welcoming our new recruits to a number of our businesses over the next few weeks. We’re hopeful that Kickstart will provide a new pipeline of talent for young people into our apprenticeship and graduate programmes as we continue to seek to recruit people from diverse backgrounds and help young people achieve their full potential."

The Kickstart Scheme, part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, aims to create hundreds of thousands job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.
 
BAE Systems are committed to creating high quality training and job opportunities for young people and is a supporter of the Movement to Work programme which provides work experience for young people not in employment or training. In total, more than 600 young people have undertaken placements with BAE Systems and in 2019, 80% of those completing placements went on to continue their training or secure permanent employment, including 33 who secured roles in its business.
 
BAE Systems recently announced that in 2021 it will recruit more than 850 apprentices and 400 graduates, the highest intake in a single year. It will also offer more than 200 industrial placements and summer internships.

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

Defence Events

Babcock reviews future vehicle platforms with UK SMEs at Defence Battlelab

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group has brought together key suppliers for an engagement day at the Defence Battlelab in Dorset, to look at upcoming requirements for a new generation of modern off road vehicles.

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

Aerospace Defence Security Space

UKEF partners with Finance for Forces to support veteran-led exporters

24 April 2026

UK Export Finance (UKEF) – the government’s export credit agency – has announced a new partnership with Finance for Forces to help more veteran-led businesses access the finance they need to grow internationally.

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

Defence

Royal Navy evaluates next-gen maritime capabilities

24 April 2026

Earlier this year, demonstrations to the Royal Navy were successfully conducted at SubSea Craft’s UK headquarters as part of Atlantic Bastion, a programme to make Britain more secure from threats in the North Atlantic.

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

Defence

Government scouts private investment to advance defence innovation

24 April 2026

This week the UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves met with leaders from UK banking, venture capital and strategic finance, to explore how private investment can be leveraged to drive innovation and accelerate defence readiness.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces

Defence Events

Thales expands Malaysian Armed Forces' tactical comms

24 April 2026

In partnership with Advanced Defence Systems (ADS), Thales Malaysia is establishing a local assembly line for new-generation SYNAPS (V/UHF) Software-Defined Radios in Segamat, Johor, strengthening Thales’ local manufacturing capabilities.

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

Defence

UK and Indonesia launch flagship Maritime Partnership Programme

24 April 2026

Babcock International Group, together with the British Embassy Jakarta, British Chamber of Commerce and Indonesian partners, have formally launched the Maritime Partnership Programme (MPP), a flagship agreement to deepen UK–Indonesia cooperation across maritime defence, fisheries, industrial capability and skills development.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner