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British arms, defence, security and aerospace giant BAE Systems has announced recruitment plans which will create 2,700 new graduate jobs and apprenticeships.

Hundreds of new positions will be created during 2024, with a close to 50/50 split between graduate vacancies and opportunities for apprentices.

There will be 1,300 graduate jobs at BAE Systems next year (up from just 200 graduate vacancies in 2019) and a further 1,400 apprenticeships across various parts of the UK.

The deadline for apprentice applications is 28 February 2024, but there are multiple graduate intakes throughout next year.

Almost 14 per cent of BAE Systems’ UK workforce is currently made up of graduates and apprentices, with over 5,500 employees out of a total of approximately 40,000 members of staff.

Recounting her experience since starting out as a Software Degree Apprentice at BAE Systems, Megan Pearson, said: “Embarking on an apprenticeship with BAE Systems after I completed my A-Levels helped me become financially independent, which benefited both me and my parents.”

“I’ve had the chance to work on a range of exciting projects and the flexibility of my apprenticeship means that I’m experiencing lots of new things and not tying myself to any one profession.”

“A lot of my friends struggled with the immediate mind-set shift from school to work, but my apprenticeship provided a complete package with helpful support and guidance. It’s the ideal route for bridging the gap between school and the workplace,” added Ms Pearson.

Announcing the opportunities for 2024, BAE Systems’ Chief Executive Officer, Charles Woodburn, said: “As the UK’s largest manufacturer, we have sites located right across the country and we're investing hundreds of millions of pounds to equip young people with the skills they need to achieve their full potential.”

“Providing high quality apprenticeships and graduate programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment and helps to grow the talent we need to deliver vital national defence and security programmes, including future fighter jets, nuclear-powered submarines and low earth orbit satellites,” said the CEO.

Robert Halfon, the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, welcomed the announcement by BAE Systems, saying:

“We need big employers on side in our efforts to build a skills and apprenticeships nation and this record-breaking announcement from BAE Systems is fantastic to see.”

“Apprenticeships provide a ladder of opportunity for people to get in-demand skills and really push on in their careers and these roles offered by a top apprenticeship employer will transform lives and boost growth right around the UK,” added Mr Halfon.

Ensuring a workplace that is diverse, inclusive and adaptable is crucial for nurturing BAE Systems' future skills and talent pool. During this year, nearly one-third of new apprentices joining the company's early careers programs have been female, surpassing the industry average of 14 per cent in England by a significant margin.

You can find out more about BAE Systems and the jobs they have available for young people by checking out our company profile for the firm now.