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
FIA2026 animated banner
MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

Defence

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

15 May 2026

TEKEVER has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support Project NYX, the British Army’s programme to develop next-generation autonomous systems capable of operating alongside Apache attack helicopters.

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

Defence

West Midlands launches MoD-backed RDSC

15 May 2026

A new Regional Defence and Security Cluster (RDSC), designed to align local defence capabilities with UK demand, has been launched in the West Midlands.

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

Defence Security Events

Getac to demo integrated tactical solutions at SOF Week 2026

15 May 2026

Getac, a provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, will demo its portfolio of rugged laptops, tablets and command solutions at SOF Week 2026, 18th-21st May in Tampa, Florida.

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

Defence

GA-ASI and USAF Demonstrate APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper

15 May 2026

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), in collaboration with the US Air Force (USAF), has conducted flight tests of an Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) using a USAF MQ-9A Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft. MQ-9A is produced by GA-ASI.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems provides upgraded Link 16 test capability for F-16

Defence

BAE Systems provides upgraded Link 16 test capability for F-16

15 May 2026

BAE Systems has completed the successful development and integration of an upgraded Link 16 test capability for Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS) terminals on US Air Force F-16 aircraft.

Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

Defence Events

Galvion introducing CORTEX EVO at SOF Week 2026

14 May 2026

Galvion will showcase the continued evolution of its CORTEX architecture at SOF Week 2026 (18th-21st May), featuring the introduction of its CORTEX EVO system.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB