BAE Systems hiring 100 trainees in Scotland amid record UK intake

BAE Systems, the defence and aerospace giant, is taking on 100 trainees in Scotland as part of plans to hire a record 1,250 apprentices and graduates across the UK.

The group is one of the world's top defence and aerospace companies, behind key naval projects. Picture: BAE Systems

The firm said that some 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles would be available – the highest number it has ever recruited in a single year, despite the ongoing pandemic.

In Scotland, BAE is taking on 97 people at its naval ships arm – 82 apprentices and 15 graduates – two apprentices at its maritime services division and one apprentice as its land UK unit.

Around three-quarters of the apprenticeships and more than 50 per cent of the graduate roles are based in the north of England.

New recruits will have the chance to be involved in programmes including Tempest, a future combat air system for the Royal Air Force, and Dreadnought, a new generation of submarines for the Royal Navy.

Chief executive Charles Woodburn said: “Getting people back to work and creating high-quality jobs is a national priority. So, it’s more important than ever that those of us who are in a position to do so continue our investment in the UK workforce.

“We’re fortunate that our business is based on long-term critical defence programmes, giving us the confidence to increase our apprentice and graduate recruitment to create a strong talent pipeline, which enables us to continue delivering cutting-edge technologies, whilst playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”

Last week, BAE said it had delivered the first plug-in capable electric hybrid systems to Scottish manufacturer Alexander Dennis which is supplying new buses to Ireland.

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