Run by Enginuity, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to finding new ways to close UK engineering and manufacturing skills gaps, this annual ceremony celebrates both organisations and individuals who champion skills development in these sectors. Read more about our nominations below:
BAE Systems provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. STEM skills lie at the heart of our organisation and are essential to our continued success. We are delighted to have been recognised in two employer award categories and for two of our apprentices to reach this year’s final, acknowledging the shared values of both organisations in championing STEM skills development.Tania Gandamihardja, Group HR Director, BAE Systems
Kaylee, a Plant Maintenance Electrical Engineering Apprentice at the BAE Systems’ Barrow-in-Furness site, is one of just three finalists in this year’s Enginuity Large Employer of the Year category. An award aiming to celebrate the commitment, innovative thinking and superior skills contributed by an apprentice to the workplace of a large organisation, Kaylee’s work as a STEM Ambassador, consistently and proactively engaging in activities to inspire and mentor future young people, made her nomination stand out.
Since joining BAE Systems, Kaylee has participated in a wide range of outreach work, from supporting the STEM Ambassador programme and being an active member of the Fundraising Committee, to taking on the role of Vice Chair of the Apprentice Council, hosting the UK Apprentice Awards 2022 and featuring in a recent companywide ‘Our Place’ video. Instrumental in shaping the plans for the Portland Walk Campus, seeking to transform the future of Barrow Town Centre, Kaylee has confidently liaised with a wide range of colleagues from across BAE Systems and Barrow Borough Council.
Excelling in her apprenticeship, gaining Distinctions in every exam undertaken, Kaylee acknowledges that her apprenticeship has provided far more than the offered on-the-job training and skills. Crediting it with developing and enhancing her communication skills, health and safety knowledge, resilience, problem solving and strategic thinking, whilst providing opportunities for comfortable and open discussion around the diversity of talent and how the company harnesses this on a daily basis, Kaylee is looking forward to gaining more in-depth knowledge in her chosen field and can see a clear career path at BAE Systems.
Hollie, a Manufacturing Engineering Apprentice at BAE Systems has been recognised for her contribution towards developing solutions which benefit the company, including improving safety, prolonging product life cycles and reducing costs.
Since joining the company Hollie has benefited from a range of opportunities, including guest speaking on behalf of BAE Systems Submarines, participating in an outwards bounds activity centre and receiving company support to begin a HNC. No stranger to award nominations, Hollie reached the final of the UK Apprentice Awards in 2022 and won the Queens Silver Medal 2022 for the best shipwright apprentice.
A STEM Ambassador, since transitioning to on-site working in the second year of her apprenticeship, Hollie has been instrumental in implementing change, introducing a bespoke package of team building activities, site tours, guest speakers and information sessions for new apprentices; a package which can be adapted to all future new apprentices to provide a positive and lasting introduction to the Company.
Recognising the need for a designated, sterile area for cleaning Respiratory Hoods (welding) Hollie’s time at BAE Systems has also seen her create a room, where equipment is now cleaned to grade A standard, engaging with a variety of internal stakeholders, delivering training sessions and supporting the Company in reducing the risk of injuries whilst ensuring legislative compliance, prolonged PPE life and reduced costs, as her work supports the safety first culture echoed across BAE Systems.
BAE Systems Plc
Diversity and Inclusion Finalist
As a Company, BAE Systems Plc is one of three finalists shortlisted in the Diversity and Inclusion category of this year’s Enginuity Awards; an award which seeks to recognise an organisation embedding diversity and inclusion within business systems and processes, whilst embodying the belief that diversity and inclusion drive innovation and accelerate performance.
With global ambitions of being the leading employer in defence and security for valuing diversity and inclusion, the inclusive environment at BAE Systems, where everyone can and is encouraged to make a difference, stood out to judges in this category.
Recognising that diversity and inclusion drive innovation, accelerate performance and create a better working environment for everyone, a number of companywide initiatives continue to be embedded into working practices. Education and outreach work seeks to increase representation of females and ethnic minorities, development of a new talent management programmes for emerging female leaders and ethnic minorities is underway, inclusive buddying and leadership development programmes have been created and targeted support such as menopause awareness, support and training delivered.
BAE Systems Plc
Apprentice Employer of the Year Finalist
We are shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year Enginuity Award for 2023, an award which seeks to recognise organisations who are creating the right environment for apprentices to thrive. The integration of apprenticeships as a fundamental part of BAE Systems’ DNA and our workforce planning has ensured the company was just one of three shortlisted in this category.
Developed on a partnership of collaboration and constructive dialogue, between training teams and apprentices, the recognition of the fresh perspectives and new skills that young people bring to the organisation is embedded in our internal culture; with apprentices encouraged to challenge business thinking from day one. With recognition of the power of personal story telling, apprentices are an integral part of BAE Systems and are viewed as the company’s best advocates.