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
ODU RT

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
FIA2026 animated banner
Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

Aerospace Defence Security

Marshall Aerospace’s medevac system to remain in service

30 April 2026

A medical evacuation system designed and delivered jointly by NODIN Aviation and Marshall Aerospace will remain in operational use under an extended agreement between Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and the Norwegian Armed Forces.

Rolls-Royce powers unmanned US Navy MQ-25A on first flight

Defence

Rolls-Royce powers unmanned US Navy MQ-25A on first flight

29 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has powered the first flight of the US Navy MQ-25A Stingray (on 25th April), marking a pivotal programme milestone that moves the unmanned platform closer to a Milestone C decision and aircraft carrier integration testing.

Chess Dynamics signs MoU with CHSnor

Defence

Chess Dynamics signs MoU with CHSnor

29 April 2026

Chess Dynamics has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with CHSnor, establishing a framework for collaboration that strengthens in-country support in Norway and reinforces the company’s long-term investment in the Nordic region.

UK MoD-industry exercise to test defence supply chains under war conditions

Defence Events

UK MoD-industry exercise to test defence supply chains under war conditions

29 April 2026

A major Ministry of Defence (MoD) wargame involving five major defence companies will be taking place this week, testing how supply chains would perform under the pressure of sustained, large-scale conflict.

Advertisement
ODU RT
MDP appoints Simon Dobinson as Deputy Chief Constable

Defence Security

MDP appoints Simon Dobinson as Deputy Chief Constable

29 April 2026

Following the appointment of Chief Constable Kier Pritchard in January, the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) has appointed Simon Dobinson as their new Deputy Chief Constable.

BAE Systems

Defence

BAE Systems' NavGuide GPS receiver enters production

29 April 2026

BAE Systems has entered production and begun initial deliveries of its NavGuide GPS receiver.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner