Want to find somewhere you belong?

Our apprenticeship opportunities for 2026 are now closed and will reopen in November. In the meantime, explore our other opportunities such as insight experiencesT Levels and work experience.
Earn while you learn and get a head-start on a career where security comes first.

Have you finished your A Levels or Highers but don’t think university is for you? Do you want to keep learning as you explore the world of work, tackling complex problems and building innovative solutions?

A BAE Systems higher apprenticeship gives you the best of both worlds – a competitive salary, as well as on-the-job training and real-world experience – all while learning alongside the brightest minds in engineering, business, or finance. You’ll even gain industry recognised qualifications equivalent to a Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree (depending on which programme you choose).

We’ll support you every step of the way by covering all fees while paying you a competitive salary and lifestyle benefits.

2027 applications open November 2026 – early application is advised.
 

Group of employees
  • Depending on your age, as a higher apprentice you could earn up to £24,125.
  • A career with a real purpose, making the world more secure
  • Endless opportunities in the UK and across the world
  • Work with cutting-edge technology
  • Learn face-to-face with technical specialists and industry experts
  • Hands-on experience from day one
  • Get paid while you gain qualifications and learn new skills
  • A supportive and inclusive culture
England and Wales
  • Age 16+
  • 5 GCSE A*-C or 9-4 (or equivalent) Including Maths and English, as well as a science or technical subject for engineering or technical roles. A minimum of 72 UCAS/96 UCAS points or equivalent, this varies depending on the role.
 
Scotland
  • Age 16+
  • 5 National 5’s at grade C or above, plus 2-3 Highers at grade C or above (dependant on role, including English and Maths (Application of Maths can be accepted) as well as a business or IT related subject for business related roles. Specific requirements may vary depending on the role.

Please note: some roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions and your nationality or place of birth may limit the roles you can undertake.

Our main recruitment window starts at the beginning of November and runs until the end of February.
 

Featured roles

Take a look at some of our featured advanced apprenticeships opportunities.

Higher apprenticeship opportunities

Our higher apprenticeship opportunities are now closed and will reopen in November.

Location: CLOSED

Start Date: TBC

As an air traffic control officer, the scheme is a structured programme of development consisting of both on the job learning and professional training, through which you will learn to direct aircraft on the ground and through UK airspace. By the end of the scheme you will achieve full occupational competency in a supervised live traffic environment.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As an engineering technical higher apprentice you will develop knowledge, skills and behaviours across a range of different engineering disciplines. During this time you will gain valuable experience in electrical, mechanical and electronic manufacturing engineering environments, which will culminate in you completing an end point assessment. 

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As an information management and technology apprentice you will develop a number of skills, both technical and non-technical. Technical skills that are to be developed will include cyber security, system development and data analytics. Non-technical skills include stakeholder management, project management and reporting, definition/requirements capture and service management skills.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As a project management apprentice you will be embedded within our project controls and planning teams supporting the successful delivery of our major programmes by gathering information about time, cost and quality then identifying and analysing data trends and driving actions to their conclusion. 

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

The role of a higher business apprentice offers an exciting opportunity for you to gain experience in a variety of different functions. You will work alongside our highly skilled and dedicated employees, including fellow apprentices.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

Our finance higher apprenticeship is designed as an entry level role into the accountancy arena; you will study towards your CIMA qualification whilst doing a real job and earning a competitive salary from day one.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

You will be trained in both practical and theory-based engineering and in addition, learning the basics in such things as electrical circuits, aircraft fitting, fabrication, flight line awareness, machining, carbon fibre and computer aided design. 

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As a qualified quality practitioner you will be expected to deploy effective quality practices within your area to ensure the sector fulfils the contractual and regulatory requirements of our customers and other stakeholders. 

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As a cost estimating apprentice, you will be part of the commercial function working closely with all areas of the business to collate and justify costs, create estimates for future work and manage change.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As a human resources higher apprentice you will be responsible for all things ’people’ related. You will support employees throughout their time with the business with anything from changing the way people work, to helping them through difficult personal or professional issues, to working with managers in the business to tackle complex business challenges.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

As a procurement and supply apprentice the role includes the process of procurement, or buying goods and services however, these roles can be much broader than just procurement. These roles can extend to a huge range of related commercial activity such as influencing policy, financial analysis, engaging in contract law, and developing strategy to deliver services.

Search and apply

Location: TBC

Start Date: CLOSED

Supply chain is an integral function responsible for researching, sourcing, buying, storing, maintaining and delivering critical products and services required for build. Whilst ensuring they are delivered to the correct requirements/specification, at the right time, for the right cost and to exacting quality standards. 

Search and apply

What are the benefits of our apprenticeships?

Qualifications and experience

You'll get real-life experience working on rewarding projects and we'll support you by funding the fees for your academic and vocational qualifications.

Training and mentoring

An inclusive team is a creative and innovative team. We recognise and celebrate the unique skills, perspectives and experiences our colleagues bring, no matter their background, so they feel valued and empowered to thrive. 

Social and networking

Connect with your community of apprentices across the UK and many others across our inclusive business at events, socials and forums.

Rewards and benefits

You could earn up to £24,125 (dependant on the role) and receive generous time off, as well as having access to our product and service discounts, share scheme and workplace pensions, and flexible benefits to maintain that all-important lifestyle balance. 

Career opportunities

Around 94% of apprentices choose to stay on with us. And, being a global business, there’s a world of opportunities here – whether you stay in the UK or explore an overseas role doing something that really makes a difference.

Application process

What can you expect?

Choose a career that matters in an engineering, technical or business role.

You’ll be working on real-life, cutting-edge projects from day one, giving you the very best experience and insights.

We’ll reward you with a competitive salary, generous leave and benefits including share schemes, discounts, and a pension. We take wellbeing seriously too, so we’ll help you get the work/life balance that’s right for you.

On-the-job training and mentoring from our experienced professionals and at our in-house training facilities and partner colleges/universities.

Learn new skills and gain vital knowledge working on some of the world’s leading technologies and cutting-edge innovations in a role that really makes a difference.

Got a question?

Not sure which role is right for you? Want to understand more about job roles here at BAE Systems? Have a question about your application? Our FAQs are a great place to start.

Contact the team

If you want a chat with our team we're here to help. We can only discuss applications with candidates directly.

Get in touch
Apprentice

recruitment team