There is perhaps, not a better time than now for one to pursue an apprenticeship programme at BAE Systems.
The UK’s largest defence and security company is hiring more than 1,250 new trainees into their early careers programmes in 2021 - the highest number they have ever recruited in a single year. More than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles are available across the UK despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
No student debt and gaining practical work experience
Ammaarah Patel is in the third year of her Chartered Management Apprenticeship with BAE Systems. Speaking about the advantages of pursuing an apprenticeship, particularly in light of the economic challenges posed by Covid-19, she said, “I was planning to go to university after completing my A levels and had received several offers as well. But I was not optimistic about the idea of taking on large sums of student loans and consequently accruing a significant debt after attaining my university degree. I was not even certain if I would get a job of my choice at the end of my degree because I would require a certain amount of experience.
“So, I decided to take a gap year and took a job that provided hands-on practical training. Gradually, I started looking into several other options and came across the Chartered Management Apprenticeship which allowed me to carry on working, gain much-required work experience across multiple disciplines and receive a degree at the end of the programme.”
Research studies note that young and aspiring students are presently more uncertain than ever about enrolling themselves for a full-time degree amidst uncertainties around a crippled job market. Thus, many are choosing to take a gap year, scouting for alternative part-time jobs and considering apprenticeship programmes. At BAE Systems around 75% of apprenticeships and more than 50% of graduate roles are based in the North of England – providing critical employment and education opportunities in areas reliant on long-term job creation. Recruits will have the chance to be involved in some of the UK’s most exciting and technologically advanced programmes including Tempest, a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force and Dreadnought, a new generation of submarines for the Royal Navy.
Developing and honing skills across multiple industries
Touching upon the invaluable work experience that Ammaarah has gained during her programme across multiple industries, she said, “As part of the four-year programme we transition across different areas of Shared Services and undertake different projects with teams. My first placement was within Finance Services where I was tasked to look at how we use technology in this area. I moved to HR Services next, where I chose to work with the Graduate Apprentice Recruitment Team because I wanted to understand the recruitment process, and also implement my ideas to bring improvements to the process. The next placement was in the IT department where I was part of a contract re-negotiation with a major IT supplier that created a significant cost saving and service improvement. My next placement was within Early Careers where I was a part of the Transformation Team working to review and enhance the Company’s Early Careers offering. I am working in the Education Partnership team where I am working with young people in our community and helping them gain employment, pursue STEM subjects and apprenticeships. It is a challenging yet wonderful opportunity especially with the impact of Covid-19.
Not only have I gained varied experience from moving across different departments, I have been given many exciting enrichment opportunities such as, supporting the Movement to Work programme and hosting the BAE Systems Apprentice Awards.”
The apprenticeship programmes at BAE Systems aren’t just for school or college leavers; almost 10% of their apprentices are over 25 and for those facing uncertainty in the current climate, they provide a wide range of opportunities to retrain. They have doubled the type of apprenticeship programmes they offer to more than 50, including options to study up to degree and masters levels. Opportunities are available in a variety of roles including accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.
“Getting people back to work and creating high-quality jobs is a national priority. So, it’s more important than ever that those of us who are in a position to do so continue our investment in the UK workforce. We’re fortunate that our business is based on long-term critical defence programmes, giving us the confidence to increase our apprentice and graduate recruitment to create a strong talent pipeline, which enables us to continue delivering cutting-edge technologies, whilst playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery,” said Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive.
According to the government data available as of February 2020, the number of people starting an apprenticeship in England fell to 125,800 between August and October, down 4.7% from 132,000 in the same quarter a year earlier (that number was up by 15.4% year-on-year). This year, however, the number is expected to go up with a series of apprenticeship schemes that the Chancellor unveiled six months ago in his efforts of helping young people get back to work.
Lauding BAE Systems for helping young people develop and hone their skills, Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson said, “Apprenticeships are a great way to learn the skills needed to get ahead in a range of exciting industries including cyber security, maritime engineering and project management. As we build back better, apprenticeships will play a vital role in helping to rebuild our economy after the pandemic. It’s fantastic to see BAE Systems continuing to innovate and invest in apprenticeships giving more people of all ages and backgrounds the chance to progress. I encourage businesses of all sizes to follow their lead, recruiting more apprentices to help take their business to the next level.”
Speaking about how her parents and colleagues at BAE Systems have helped her progress through the programme despite the obstacles of the coronavirus pandemic, Ammaarah said, “My family was extremely supportive of me pursuing an apprenticeship at BAE Systems because it is an amazing opportunity and it opens up several avenues for me going forward.
“My colleagues have supported me in my tasks and projects throughout the pandemic. I have never found myself excluded within the company. At BAE Systems, diversity and inclusion is part of our DNA and I have never felt that my race, gender or religion has been a barrier to my progress. If anything, my ethnicity brings in a diversity of thought to the organisation.”
The apprenticeship programmes at BAE Systems are externally recognised and rated Ofsted Outstanding. They are part of the Department for Education’s list of Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and in November, they won the Macro Employer of the Year award in the National Apprenticeship Awards.
For more information about the roles available and to apply, please visit:
https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/early-careers
"I was not optimistic about the idea of taking on large sums of student loans and consequently accruing a significant debt after attaining my university degree. Gradually, I started looking into several other options and came across the Chartered Management Apprenticeship which allowed me to carry on working, gain much-required work experience across multiple disciplines and receive a degree at the end of the programme.”
