BAE Systems, the United Kingdom's largest defence company known for its work on nuclear submarines and fighter jets, is ramping up its workforce development efforts by hiring a record-breaking 2,400 apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates in the coming year. This initiative will increase the total number of trainees at the FTSE 100 company to 6,500, representing approximately 15% of its UK workforce. The company, which employs 100,000 people globally, has been accelerating its investment in skills development, with a planned spend of £230 million on education initiatives next year, bringing its total investment in skills to over £1 billion since 2020.
BAE Systems' commitment to workforce development extends beyond traditional training programs, as evidenced by its funding of apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and skill enhancement for existing staff, complemented by outreach projects like the establishment of its third skills academy in Glasgow. Charles Woodburn, the company's chief executive, emphasized the importance of investing in talent to support cutting-edge programs, highlighting the numerous opportunities available across the organization. The defence secretary, John Healey, commended BAE's early careers schemes for their role in maintaining national security capabilities and nurturing the next generation of industrial leaders, viewing the investment as a vote of confidence in the UK's position as a hub for skilled jobs and innovative employment.
While promoting diversity and inclusion, BAE Systems has taken steps to ensure that its recruitment efforts are inclusive and representative of society. The company has reported that nearly a third of this year's new apprentices are women, and one in three graduate starters come from ethnic minority backgrounds, showcasing a commitment to creating a diverse and equitable workforce. One of the apprentices, Francesca Di Mascio, shared her positive experience, highlighting the value she feels within the business through the opportunity to learn and earn simultaneously. BAE's recruitment drive not only underscores its dedication to cultivating a skilled and diverse workforce but also reflects its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the UK's defence industry and beyond.