BAE Systems has announced record numbers of young people on its payroll as investment in defence continues to provide skilled jobs.
The company has more than 6,800 young people in training across its UK operations, including 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates.
Next year it intends to hire a further 2,300 young people. Of these, its Glasgow naval yards will take on 144 apprentices, 28 undergraduates and 44 graduates. Recruits at other Scottish sites take the total to 241.
Since 2020, the company has recruited more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates and invested more than £1 billion in education and skills.
They will work on projects of “significant international importance”, including the Global Combat Air Programme, the UK’s next-generation SSN-AUKUS submarines and Type-26 frigates alongside disruptive technologies such as cyber, space and drone capabilities.
Charles Woodburn, chief executive at BAE Systems, 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.
“Building on our Strategic Defence Review the government is committed to the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, driving defence as an engine for growth by supporting businesses big and small and creating opportunities for young people across the UK.”
BAE Systems’ investment has enabled the creation of three multi-million-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, such as the Movement to Work charity.
Applications for the company’s 2026 apprenticeship intake are now open. This window will close when a sufficient number of applications has been received, no later than the end of February 2026. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, April, July, August and September.
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