"Exceptional talent" in Portsmouth at BAE Systems as firm hits young people in training record - jobs
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A defence giant has reached a jobs milestone with a record number of young people in training.
BAE Systems is pushing for more graduate and apprenticeship roles in the company, especially at its sites in Portsmouth and Hampshire. Covering maritime services, naval ships, radar and other focuses, a total of 467 young people are employed in south and south east of England.
This includes 120 apprenticeships, 71 undergraduate roles, and 276 graduate roles. Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive of BAE Systems, said: “The record number of apprentices and graduates in our business working on some of the world’s most important defence programmes highlights the exceptional talent of young people in this country and our commitment to developing the skills vital for our nation’s future security.
“With more than 60 programmes across the UK, we’re proud to offer opportunities for meaningful and rewarding careers, helping to protect those who protect us.”
The company will be opening more than 460 graduate and apprentice roles in the south of England across Essex, Hampshire, and Kent. Since 2020, the firm has recruited more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates, equating to over £1bn worth of investment. More than 6,800 young people are in training across its UK operations.
Minister for defence readiness and industry, Luke Pollard, Labour, said the next generation of individuals employed will be at the forefront of building the warships, fighter jets and munitions.
He added: “Building on our Strategic Defence Review the government is committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, driving defence as an engine for growth by supporting businesses big and small and creating opportunities for young people across the UK.”
The company is at the forefront of building submarine-hunting Type 26 frigates, modern and advanced warships being built for the Royal Navy. This programme was bolstered by a huge £10bn agreement with Norway to construct five warships.