The recruitment effort reinforces the Company’s commitment to invest in the next generation, with graduates securing roles working on some of the most important defence programs being delivered across Australia.
Most have been employed in Victoria (28) and South Australia (50) supporting the Hunter Class Frigate Program, the Jindalee Operational Radar Network upgrade and the development of new technologies for the Australian Defence Force.
The remainder will be working across a range of maritime and aerospace sustainment programs and corporate roles in the ACT, NSW, QLD and WA. Thirty-two percent of the new graduates are female, reflecting BAE Systems Australia’s commitment to improving diversity in STEM roles.
A further 30 apprentices will join the national defence engineering and technology business later in the year.
Half of this cohort will begin their careers in advanced manufacturing and aircraft sustainment roles. The other fifteen will join the Hunter Class Frigate Program, almost doubling the number of apprentices supporting the delivery of the future ships.
BAE Systems Australia Chief People Officer, Angela Wiggins, said:
“Our early career programs open the door for young people to a long and diverse career with opportunities to move between projects, across states or countries as they build experience.
“There is high demand right across Australia for engineers, project managers and technologists, as well as trades including boilermakers, electricians, fabricators and aircraft maintainers.
“We are also growing our capability across specialist areas in big data, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, machine learning and autonomous systems which provides a fantastic opportunity for our engineering and computer studies graduates to hone next generation technology skills on the job.”
As the new graduates start, 57 students will be returning to university after completing their 12-week summer internships with the Company.
BAE Systems Manufacturing Engineering intern, Kieran Latter, said: “My internship has highlighted the opportunities to be involved in manufacturing on a global scale as part of the Hunter Class Frigate Program at Osborne. Few industries can cater or provide these opportunities to the same depth that working in the defence industry has provided to me.”
Next year, the Company plans to recruit more than 100 graduates to roles across the Australian business. The three-year graduate program offers the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of technology on a diverse range of projects.
BAE Systems Australia also supports its graduates with tailored technical and personal development training, a supportive and flexible work environment and career mentoring. Applications for roles starting in 2024 will open in March.