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

Defence

DE&S recruits next generation of apprentices and graduates

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) is recruiting its workforce of the future with the creation of 150 new apprenticeships and graduate jobs based primarily in Bristol.

Courtesy DE&S

With 10 different programmes, including a brand-new Security Graduate Scheme, DE&S is continuing its commitment to developing tomorrow’s talent and building on its previous success, having recruited thousands of apprentices and graduates to date.

The new round of vacancies open from now until 17th February 2025 are:

  • Finance Apprenticeship Scheme
  • Project Delivery Apprenticeship (Manchester)
  • Project Delivery Apprenticeship (Portsmouth)

These vacancies are in addition to new apprenticeships and graduate jobs that closed for applications at the end of 2024 but will begin later this year, including:

  • Finance Graduate Scheme
  • Security Graduate Scheme
  • Engineering Graduate Scheme
  • Air Systems and Platform Engineering Graduate Scheme
  • Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Engineering Degree Apprenticeship
  • Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship

The newly introduced Security Graduate Scheme has been designed to support and enable the effective delivery and operational success of the British Armed Forces and wider Ministry of Defence (MoD) by protecting people, information and physical assets. This could include shadowing opportunities through rotational placements in cyber security, project security and corporate security.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Across all schemes, further opportunities can become available at other DE&S locations around the UK as apprentices and graduates progress.

Benjamin Tyrrell, DE&S Chartered Management Degree Apprentice, said: “Being on an apprenticeship scheme enables me to apply knowledge from my university studies into my day-to-day role and bring a unique perspective to the team which is valued. I find working for DE&S highly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to the collective goal of keeping our nation safe and supporting our Armed Forces.”

DE&S is work closely with industry partners to equip and support UK Armed Forces around the globe. DE&S apprenticeship and graduate schemes help to ensure the UK's security and prosperity, whilst building the skills and knowledge of those undertaking placements.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Sidney Vasili, DE&S Project Delivery Graduate, said: “Working as a graduate in DE&S has provided me with a safe and supportive environment to develop my professional skills whilst learning and studying towards a Project Management Qualification.

"Completing placements in different areas of the organisation not only allows me to broaden a well-rounded body of knowledge but also deepens my understanding of the real-world implication this field of work presents. As a civil servant I have the opportunity to contribute to public service and make a tangible impact on society, giving me a sense of purpose and motivation in my studies.”

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

Jo Osburn-Hughes, DE&S People Director and Diversity and Inclusion Co-champion, said: “We in DE&S are proud to offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities and are committed to providing ways to build our leaders in Defence for today and for the future. We are focused on investing in the growth and development of our people.

"Our early careers programmes for our apprentices and graduates are founded on providing real-work experience and full support for continuous learning. If you have a friend or family member looking to start their career why not take a look at what DE&S has to offer.”

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 DE&S apprentices and graduates go on to forge successful careers within the organisation or the wider MoD.

To find out more: https://des.mod.uk/careers/apprenticeships-and-graduate-schemes

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

Defence

Rauma Marine Constructions selects IFS Cloud solution

27 May 2026

IFS today announced that Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), a Finnish shipbuilding company, has selected IFS Cloud to modernise its digital foundation and strengthen control across its complex shipbuilding programmes.

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

Defence Space

Dstl achieves UK’s first optical downlink from space

27 May 2026

The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

Defence

Thales completes first X-Fire launcher firing tests

26 May 2026

Thales has conducted live firings from the X-Fire launcher, developed in partnership with Soframe, which features a versatile architecture enabling it to engage deep-strike targets (150 km and beyond), using a wide range of munitions, whether sovereign or allied.

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

Defence

BAE Systems to upgrade US facilities

26 May 2026

BAE Systems is making a $135 million investment for facility enhancements in Austin, Texas and Hudson, New Hampshire, further strengthening the US defence industrial base.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BOREALIS goes live six months early

Defence Space

BOREALIS goes live six months early

26 May 2026

CGI has supported the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for BOREALIS, six months ahead of schedule.

RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner