We have a long tradition of apprenticeships and are among the largest employers of apprenticeships in the UK. Our 2000 (UK) apprentices currently in training make up 6% of our UK workforce and are one of our pipelines of talent to help us meet the future engineering, technology and business skills we need to compete effectively. Each day we’ll look at a different way apprenticeships deliver benefit to individuals, our business, our communities and to creating better diversity and inclusivity.
Apprenticeships work in every area and for every business unit – Friday 9 March
As National Apprentice Week concludes, we’re celebrating our class of 2017. We’ve seen some fantastic academic results, and our overall success rate was 95%. The vast majority of apprentices who completed their studies have gone straight into roles within the company and feedback suggestions they were happy with their apprenticeship experience. Our case studies today are all taken from this year’s BAE Systems Apprentice Awards
A celebration of last year’s apprentice results...
- 306 Apprentices completed Advanced Level Apprenticeships
- 20 Apprentices completed Intermediate level Apprenticeships
- 54 Apprentices completed a Higher (degree) Apprenticeship
- 67% of our Higher Apprentices achieved a first class honours degree
- 100% went into employment with BAE Systems
Apprenticeships work to create a more diverse workforce – Thursday 8 March
Apprenticeships have worked for us to help create a more diverse workplace that is more representative of UK’s society, with wider experiences, opinions and ideas that is more creative, more challenging and therefore more likely to help innovate competitive advantage. It’s also International Women’s Day and our case studies will come from female apprentices who show how apprenticeships are helping us to create a more diverse workforce.
In pipefitting we do a range of things, fabricating and installing pipework like cutting the pipes, grinding/buffing them, welding them and fitting them onto the ship, the systems range from fresh water, chilled water, fuel to waste water or gas.
As a Mechanical fitter, I am employed to install the extensive array of mechanical equipment on board, to problem solve where necessary and to ensure that everything is of a high standard.
It was only during a sailing holiday that Abbie realised the complex work that goes into boat building and decided she wanted to find out more about how she could work in the maritime engineering industry.
Apprenticeships work for our communities - Wednesday 7 March
Our apprenticeships also work for our communities in many different ways: From charity challenges or local community projects; to promoting wider economic benefit and social mobility. Our case studies will show how our wider communities benefit from our £90M investment in skills and early careers.
Tom, Product Development Engineer
At every stage in my career I’ve felt like I’ve been constantly challenging myself. I would say to anyone who isn’t sure what to do after school or college to definitely consider an apprenticeship and the opportunities it offers.
Apprenticeships work for our business - Tuesday 6 March
Apprenticeships work for our business by helping us to train and develop people to help us meet the future engineering, technology and business skills we need to compete effectively.
Our apprentices are truly inspiring. Their hard work, energy and passion ensures that our business has the right capability and diverse talent to deliver our future success.Caroline Clucas. Head of Early Careers and Skills. Naval Ships, #NAW18 #worksforme www.baesystems.com/apprentices
Apprenticeships work for our apprentices – Monday 5 March
We’ll be celebrating all the reasons why apprentices benefit from the major investment we make in them - qualifications, salary, training, mentoring support and meaningful jobs and onward opportunities. Our case studies will show how our apprentices themselves think that apprenticeships #worksforme
Learning on the job and still going through education is a great way to learn about my trade. It is a highly rewarding career and a lot of time and effort is spent into developing our skills.
I joined the Advanced Business Apprenticeship in 2016. My first placement was within Airframe Supply Chain working in the materials team procuring carbon fibre material for the aircraft.
During my time on the apprenticeship scheme, I have learnt a significant amount about BAE Systems and how to control and manage the complex projects we deliver. This has provided me with the knowledge and experience to take on greater responsibility to meet customer requirements and deliver efficiently.
The knowledge and experience I have gained is already helping me in my work and will continue to do so as I progress through my apprenticeship and my career.
Everyone is always more than happy to help, and I’ve been given real responsibility from day one.