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
Vision Engineering appoints Harry Curtis as Technical Director

Aerospace Defence

Vision Engineering appoints Harry Curtis as Technical Director

17 April 2026

Woking headquartered Vision Engineering Group, provider of ergonomic microscopy and metrology solutions, has announced the appointment of Harry Curtis to the position of Technical Director, effective 1st April 2026.

Drone swarms central to AWE26

Defence Events

Drone swarms central to AWE26

17 April 2026

Drones have been at the centre of this year's Army Warfighting Experiment 2026, which each year brings together soldiers, scientists, industry and universities, to test new military technology.

Dstl assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial

Defence

Dstl assesses robotic systems in hazardous incident recovery trial

17 April 2026

In a ‘real life’ scenario played out in an empty shopping unit, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has tested the ability of robotic and autonomous systems to navigate through a building and detect, sample and remediate (clean) a contaminated environment.

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

Defence Events

QinetiQ pays aerial tribute to iconic Spitfire

17 April 2026

The QinetiQ operated ETPS test pilot school based at MoD Boscombe Down has taken part in the historic Spitfire90 commemorative tour, as the only civilian-registered participants in the nine-day national flight schedule.

Advertisement
ODU RT
SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

Defence

SitaWare Headquarters introduces Joint Fires and Targeting capabilities

16 April 2026

Systematic has introduced within SitaWare Headquarters 6.22, a dedicated Targeting Application that brings the targeting process into the same C4ISR environment used for operational planning, situational awareness and mission execution.

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

Defence

Thales launches TopStar Smart Receiver

16 April 2026

Thales has launched its TopStar Smart Receiver, a three-in-one ultra-compact solution providing land forces with resilient positioning, navigation and timing capabilities, while maintaining radio communications in increasingly contested electronic warfare environments.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner