BAE Systems in Barrow has welcomed 23 graduates who have joined the company via a new accelerated graduate programme.
Nineteen of the group – drawn from across the UK – will stay in Barrow after their induction period with four heading south to sister sites in Surrey and Dorset.
Chris Gill from Dalton is following a family tradition and said BAE Systems offered the “best opportunities.”
The 24-year-old geology graduate said despite first day nerves he had been made to feel very welcome and was now feeling much more at ease.
He said: “I know a few people and family members who have come into BAE Systems and it has the best opportunities by far. I’m really excited.”
Antionia Fan, 24, who has a chemical engineering degree and has just finished her masters in material science engineering, is moving from Stamford, Lincolnshire. As a climber and runner she is particularly keen to move to Cumbria to pursue her passion for the great outdoors.
She said: “I’m looking forward to getting started and working on submarines. That’s the area I wanted to go into as I find it incredibly interesting. Being so close to the Lake District is also a massive bonus as I really enjoy climbing and running.
Bethany Harrod loved BAE Systems and Barrow so much she came back again after completing a placement in the yard while studying at university.
The landscape and sea remind her of home in Durham and Sunderland where she lived and studied, gaining a first in mechanical engineering.
The 23-year-old explained: “I came for an industrial placement as part of my degree and I got to work in so many areas and departments – I even got to work on Astute as well.
“After that I returned to university but I really enjoyed my time in Barrow so I wanted to come back.
The area reminds me of home and where I went to university in Sunderland.”
Helen Wharton, Graduate and Higher Apprentice Manager, said the graduates were keen to get started: “We are delighted to welcome our latest graduate intake to the business to join the new accelerated graduate programme. This will give them an accelerated readiness which will mean that they will very quickly be working as part of the business and contributing to a range of functions.”
BAE Systems offer positions in a variety of areas including the Main Graduate Programme, Finance Leader Development and Applied Intelligence Programme.
For more information: https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/graduates/graduate-opportunities
