This New Year, BAE Systems in Barrow has announced that they are offering more than 600 new apprenticeships.

Tania Gandamihardja, Group Director of Human Resources at BAE Systems, said: "Faced with economic challenges not seen in a generation, it's essential for businesses like ours to invest in the next generation to equip young people with the skills they need to achieve their full potential and support social mobility.

"Providing high-quality early careers programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment and helps recruit the talent we need to deliver on vital national defence and security programmes, such as the Tempest next-generation combat aircraft and Dreadnought nuclear submarines."

Their apprenticeship programme is rated Ofsted 'Outstanding', and the company recently ranked in the Top 10 of the Department for Education's Apprenticeship Employers and Top 25 for The Times' Graduate Employers.

The apprenticeships are part of a nationwide plan to offer 2,600 places within the UK's biggest defence company.

Robert Halfon, Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Higher Education, said: "Apprenticeships are the catalyst to boosting the economy, building a skills nation and extending the ladder of opportunity to all.

"It’s extraordinary to see leading apprentice employer BAE Systems plan to recruit over 2,600 apprentices and graduates this year across key industries including cyber security, aerospace engineering and software development."

Around 95 per cent of apprentice trainees complete their apprenticeship with BAE Systems and go on to secure full-time employment with the company.

There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, June and September, and the closing date for Apprentice applications is February 28, 2023.

Hazel McGarth, first-year Project Management Apprentice in BAE Systems' Naval Ships business, said: "I'm the first in my family to work in the maritime industry and they're so proud of me.

"My apprenticeship is the perfect blend of hands-on work experience and academic study.

"I have a real pride and purpose being part of the team which floated HMS Glasgow onto the River Clyde this year.

"It's built my confidence so much and helped me become more financially independent.

"I've got friends who wish they'd gone down a similar route to me, so I'd recommend considering all available early careers options before you decide your next move."

Find out more and apply: baesystems.com/earlycareers