Apprenticeships
Welcome to the next step in your career journey
Our 2023 applications are now open
Curious to learn and ready to grow? You can be the future of BAE Systems. With our apprenticeships you'll get paid while you gain job-specific training and experience. Set yourself up for a great career and play your part in creating the next generation of products and services that will secure all our futures.
Choose the right apprenticeship for you
Intermediate apprenticeships
Intermediate apprenticeships are the entry-level apprenticeship for those looking to make a start in the world of work. Available to anyone from the age of 16, with no maximum age limit, they’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. You’ll need five GCSEs grade A*-E/ 3-9 including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or two National 4s including Maths and English (or equivalent).
Become a technical expert and learn a specialist skill such as welding, painting, or scaffolding, with a blend of hands-on training and classroom learning. An intermediate apprenticeship is a great way to join our business, with real responsibility working on innovative security products and services.
Advanced apprenticeships
You can apply for one of our advanced apprenticeships if you have five GCSEs or National 4 (or equivalent), including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role, or you’ve completed an intermediate apprenticeship or similar Level 2 qualification. They’re full time roles, with a competitive salary and they’re a great way to develop specialist skills.
We have a range of advanced apprenticeships available, including engineering, technical, and business roles. At the end of the apprenticeship you’ll have valuable qualifications equivalent to A Levels, NC, HNC, or HND. With the freedom to explore our business, endless opportunities for development, and with genuine recognition and reward, you’ll build a career to be proud of.
Higher apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 18 who is looking for an alternative to attending university. You’ll need at least five GCSEs or National 5 + Highers (or equivalent) including Maths and English, as well as a Science subject to apply for an engineering or technical role. Additionally, you’ll require a minimum of two A levels or a level 3 equivalent qualification.
With the chance to forge a high-impact career in engineering, business, or finance, these roles lead to qualifications equivalent to a HND or Foundation Degree.
Degree apprenticeships
Degree apprenticeships are great for 18–19 year old school leavers looking to gain a degree while also starting their career journey. It’s the perfect option for those who can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university. They’re also a great option for anyone looking to make a career change. We have a wide range of degree apprenticeships to choose from across the business, and there’s slightly different qualification and UCAS point requirements for each one, taking 3-6 years to complete. You can also apply for a degree apprenticeship if you’ve already successfully completed a lower-level apprenticeship and you’re looking to further your career.
Insight Experiences
Want to know what a career with us is really like? Get the inside track from our diverse team, learn about their career journeys, and explore how you can make a big impact here too.
Find out more
Work experience
Our work experience placement students get to experience the cutting-edge projects we're working on, meet all kinds of people across the business, and explore the many career opportunities we offer.
Register your interest
T-Levels Industry Placement
T-Levels are a nationally recognised qualification for 16-19 year olds. Equivalent to 3 ‘A’-levels, they’re 80% classroom based, with the remaining 20% spent on a 9-week placement.
Coming in September 2023
Got a question?
Not sure which programme is right for you? Want to know more about visa sponsorship or nationality restrictions? Or 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.
What are the benefits of our apprenticeships?
Qualifications and experience
You'll get hands-on experience working on challenging real-life projects and we'll fund the fees for your academic and vocational qualifications.
Training and
mentoring
On-the-job training and mentoring from our experienced professionals and at our in-house training facilities and partner colleges/universities.
Social and
networking
You'll get to connect with your community of apprentices across the UK and lots of people across our diverse business at events, socials and forums.
Rewards and
benefits
You'll earn while you learn and lots of other benefits, such as generous time off, product and service discounts, share scheme and pension, as well as flexible lifestyle benefits.
Career opportunities
Around 95% of apprentices choose to stay on with us. And as a global business there are a world of opportunities – whether you decide to stay in the UK, or explore an overseas role.
You could join us as an apprentice in
Aircraft Maintenance |
Business |
Design |
Electrical Engineering |
Finance |
Maintenance |
Management |
Mechanical Engineering |
Software Engineering |
Project Management |
Sheet Metal |
Sustainability |
Welding |
Why an apprenticeship with us?
95%
of apprentices choose to stay on with us. We are ranked an Outstanding provider by Ofsted
9th
in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, 2022
3rd
in RateMyApprenticeships Top 100 Employers 2021-2022, Engineering/Manufacturing
Where will an apprenticeship take you?
Hear from our inspiring apprentices
Want to know more about what life is like as an apprentice at BAE Systems. Get the facts first hand from some of our current and former apprentices.
Getting ready for work
Still at school or college, or even considering a career change, and excited about a career that really matters?
Find out about work experience, taster weeks, and lots of other ways to explore your future in a dynamic and pioneering industry.
Teachers, parents, and carers
Like you, we're passionate about helping young people embrace STEM subjects and discover careers in engineering and technology.
Together we can inspire bright minds from all backgrounds to access opportunities in our industry.
Gaining experience
If you're curious about working at BAE Systems, have a passion for engineering or technology, and want to take your first career step, we are here to help.
Learning and development
If you're curious and open to new opportunities, we'll help you reach your potential. See how we'll support you to continually learn and develop a fulfilling career.
