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.
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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.
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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

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