Defence group’s apprenticeships drive will create hundreds of NW opportunities
Source: The Business Desk - Neil Hodgson
BAE Systems, the UK defence group, will take on more apprentices across the North West next year than any other UK region it operates in.
The news comes as BAE says its apprenticeship intake has reached a record total, with 6,800 young people currently in training across its UK operations.
This figure includes approximately 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates.
In 2026, more than 1,400 new apprentices and graduates will join BAE Systems across the North of England with roles across Cumbria, Lancashire and Humberside.
The North West will see the recruitment of 1,294 apprentices during the year.
This includes 722 apprentices, graduates and under-graduates at the group’s submarine operation in Barrow and 510 at its Warton and Samlesbury bases in Lancashire, home to the Eurofighter.
BAE said people in the region will have the chance to work on flagship programmes critical to national security, including the Global Combat Air Programme as well as the UK’s next-generation SSN-AUKUS submarines.
In total, the company plans to recruit a total of 2,348 apprentices, graduates and undergraduates across the UK.
Since 2020 the Company has recruited more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates and invested more than £1bn in education and skills, strengthening the nation’s industrial skills base while contributing to local and national economic development.
BAE Systems CEO, Charles Woodburn, 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.”
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “Defence is leading the way as an engine for growth, creating good jobs across the UK.
“These record-breaking figures from BAE Systems show the next generation of 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates will be at the forefront of building the warships, fighter jets and munitions to help our Armed Forces keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”
BAE Systems’ investment has enabled the creation of three multimillion-pound skills academies in Barrow, Glasgow and Samlesbury over recent years, which upskill thousands of employees each year to maintain the advanced STEM capabilities critical to the UK’s sovereign defence.
The Company also has a range of partnerships with colleges, universities and social mobility champions, like the Movement to Work charity.
Cheyenne, 29, third year steelwork apprentice at BAE Systems’ Submarines business, said: “I joined BAE Systems to challenge myself and take on something new. The steelworker apprenticeship stood out because of its variety and hands-on experience and it’s been exactly what I hoped for.”