More than 400 roles will be available next year at Barrow’s BAE Systems for trainees and graduates.
The firm is hiring more than 1,250 new trainees into its early careers programmes in 2021 across its business and the Submarines arm, in Barrow, has 327 apprentice roles and 78 graduate roles up for grabs.
Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems, said: “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.”
Secretary of State for Education, 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.”
BAE Systems said it had already recruited almost 20 apprentices from other companies who were no longer able to continue with their programmes and is taking part in the Government’s Kickstart scheme which will enable it to offer six month job placements to 30 young people and is recruiting more than 200 students for industrial placements or summer internships.
Almost 10 per cent of its apprentices are over 25.