BAE Systems is set to inject significant investment into Northern England, promising 1,500 new jobs across multiple sites.
- The investment marks a milestone as BAE Systems surpasses £1bn in spending on training and skills in the UK.
- Apprentices will engage with key national security projects, including the Global Combat Air Programme and SSN-AUKUS submarines.
- A considerable £230 million investment in education and skills is projected for the next year.
- BAE Systems’ initiatives support economic growth and skills development while fostering diversity and inclusion.
BAE Systems aims to strengthen Northern England’s workforce with a substantial commitment to training and employment. The company will create 1,500 new positions for apprentices and graduates at facilities in Barrow, Brough, Samlesbury, Washington and Warton. This effort is a part of a broader initiative, as BAE Systems plans to exceed £1 billion in investments in UK training and skills since 2020.
The funding will empower apprentices to work on critical national security projects, notably the Global Combat Air Programme and the development of the SSN-AUKUS submarines. These opportunities are crucial in ensuring the advancement and security of the nation. BAE Systems is set to recruit over 2,400 new apprentices, undergraduates and graduates in 2025, aiming to maintain a workforce where 15% are trainees in the UK.
With an anticipated £230 million allocated to education and skills for the upcoming year, the total investment since the start of this decade will exceed £1 billion. During the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, this funding has chiefly benefited UK apprentices, graduates, and experienced employees, reinforcing BAE’s reputation as a leader in industrial skill development.
In efforts to enhance training facilities, BAE Systems inaugurated its third multi-million-pound skills academy in Glasgow, expanding on established centres in Barrow and Samlesbury. The company collaborates with colleges, universities, and organisations like Movement to Work to boost social mobility.
According to BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn, “As the UK’s largest defence company, we rely on the skill and ingenuity of those who deliver our programmes.” Defence Secretary John Healey supports this, emphasising the defence sector’s role in national security and economic growth.
Approximately 1,300 apprentices and over 1,100 graduates will join BAE Systems next year, benefiting from cutting-edge projects like the Global Combat Air Programme and next-generation submarines. These initiatives are integral to cultivating the future leaders of the industry through BAE’s award-winning early careers schemes.
The company is committed to diversity and inclusivity, recognising its importance in developing a robust talent pipeline. This year, 30% of new apprentices are female, and a third of new graduates are from ethnic minority backgrounds, demonstrating efforts to create an inclusive work environment.
Applications for apprenticeship roles close on 28 February 2025, with various graduate entry points throughout the year, including January, April, July, August, and September.
BAE Systems’ profound investment in skills and training underscores its commitment to fostering a skilled, inclusive workforce, vital for national growth and security.
