Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • DE&S recruits hundreds of new apprentices and graduates

Defence

DE&S recruits hundreds of new apprentices and graduates

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) is recruiting close to 300 new apprentices and graduates through 14 different schemes.

Image courtesy DE&S

With a range of development programmes beginning in 2024, work and training options are available in Bristol, Manchester and Portsmouth, with opportunities to be based at other DE&S locations around the UK as apprentices and graduates progress through their schemes.

Successful applicants could work in Finance & Accounting, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Corporate Services, Project Delivery, Digital Technology or Operational Delivery. Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeships are also available.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle

Eli Mei, Aerospace engineering degree apprentice, said: “As an apprentice, I’ve completed placements with different teams across the business, helping them support and deliver projects. Studying and working at the same time is really rewarding because l get to see what I’ve learned at university put into practice, which really helps cement my knowledge.

"Being able to support the UK Armed Forces is a big reason I enjoy working for DE&S. I’ve been able to work with front-line military personnel first-hand, both remotely and at various bases across the country.”

DE&S is the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence, working closely with its industry partners to equip and support UK Armed Forces around the globe while working to keep the UK safe and help it prosper.

DE&S' programme of work ranges from jets and warships through to armoured vehicles and field kitchens. It employs more than 11,500 civil servants, military personnel and private contractors across more than 150 locations around the world.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Scott Murray, DE&S Director HR, said: “Our people remain at the core of everything we do and we continue to invest in skills and learning to ensure DE&S delivers the operational advantage our Armed Forces need. It’s vitally important we ensure we have the right people in the right place working together to deliver today and tomorrow.

“We have a large number of exciting career opportunities available across a wide range of roles. It’s about developing the future leaders of our organisation, spotting the potential and the unique talents of our apprentices and graduates and helping them shape their own path.”

Working for DE&S comes with many benefits, including flexible working, an excellent civil service pension scheme and generous leave entitlements. The vast majority of our apprentices and graduates go on to forge successful careers within DE&S or the wider Ministry of Defence.

The first 10 apprentice and graduate schemes for 2024 are now live for applications, with four more to follow by the end of October.
 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

Defence

Saab opens UK site to support British Army training

19 December 2025

Saab UK has opened a new site in South West England dedicated to its Training & Simulation business unit. This expansion strengthens Saab’s ability to deliver advanced training solutions to the British Army.

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

Defence

Patria and Germany sign two contracts within CAVS programme

19 December 2025

Patria and Germany have concluded two procurement contracts within the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

Defence

Top Australian and UK universities sign AUKUS innovation pact

18 December 2025

Eight Australian and UK universities have become the founding members of a new Advanced Skills Alliance, to fast-track the skills and research needed to build security, defence and resilience capabilities.

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

Defence

Dstl leads on NATO emerging disruptive tech competition

18 December 2025

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) is leading a NATO research project called ‘Youth Perspective on Emerging and Disruptive Technologies’.

Advertisement
ODU RT
STS Defence awarded SDA contract for SCHM Phase 2

Defence

STS Defence awarded SDA contract for SCHM Phase 2

18 December 2025

STS Defence has been awarded a contract to further develop and demonstrate software algorithms for the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA), following on from a previous Phase 1 project investigating Sensor Channel Health Monitoring (SCHM).

ESS and Royal Navy win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Chairman’s Award

Defence Events

ESS and Royal Navy win Institute for Collaborative Working’s Chairman’s Award

17 December 2025

Specialist provider of Facilities Management (FM) and foodservice to military establishments across the UK, ESS Defence, together with the Royal Navy, have won this year’s Institute for Collaborative Working Chairman’s Award.

Advertisement
Leonardo animated rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB