Gain lifelong skills through an apprenticeship at BAE Systems
From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space, as a BAE Systems apprentice, you could help shape the future. Imagine creating next-gen products that secure our world – to serve, supply and protect those who serve and protect us. It’s a career to be proud of.
As a BAE Systems apprentice, we'll invest in your future to ensure you receive all the support, training and development you need to fulfil your potential, and develop skills that will serve you for your entire career.
At BAE Systems, the majority of our apprentices move into full-time employment with us after completing their apprenticeship. This shows how well these programmes increase your employability. The exact ratio of those who progress onto full time employment varies in different countries.
Here are the top five skills our apprentices say their apprenticeship has given them.
#1 Communication
“I’ve developed strong communication skills through engagement with diverse stakeholders. This has enhanced my ability to understand others' emotions, manage my reactions in various situations, seek and act on feedback, identify self-improvement opportunities, and support the development of others.” Juliette, project management degree apprentice
“A key element to successful manufacturing operations is communication; it allows the teams to discuss information and objectives. This is a regular occurrence and by communicating with teams it allows for personal communication skills to be demonstrated and also enhanced.” – Joe, craft engineering apprentice
“During my apprenticeship communication has been the centre of everything I’ve done, and I believe is an essential and lifelong skill. I’ve learned to tailor my interpersonal skills to the correct audience both in person and sending emails to the wider business.” Lache, aerospace engineering apprentice
#2 Resilience
“This is my proudest achievement, developed by successfully balancing work, university studies, personal life, and the independence of relocating to a new city. This skill has enabled me to achieve strong results in both academics and work while continuing to take advantage of available opportunities.” – Juliette, project management degree apprentice
“Not everything will make sense on the first day, or first month, and that’s okay. This apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to explore my strengths and weaknesses and trial different working environments. I’m encouraged to try new things, even if I’m afraid of getting things wrong, because that’s the purpose of learning on the job.” Ayesha, project control apprentice
#3 Courage
“I’ve learnt the confidence to ask for things, meaning I’ve been able to progress my career just as an apprentice, e.g., being asked to do events and even asking for a placement no other manufacturing apprentice has done before” – Izzie, craft engineer apprentice
“Everything can seem a bit frightening when you start an apprenticeship – even walking into your first meeting! But with the right encouragement, and willingness to learn, you can go far. I’ve developed the confidence to present to senior stakeholders and the courage to challenge when a project isn’t achieving as expected.” Ayesha, project control apprentice
“Regular self-reflection built my confidence and adaptability, helping me to make meaningful contributions to the development of our technologies.” Yaamin, Cockpit user interface engineer (previously engineering degree apprentice).
#4 Technical skills
“I’ve learnt essential engineering skills to create a foundation for my specialisation (machining)” Izzie, craft engineering apprentice
“I was able to develop my technical understanding of tools and processes used to manufacture aircraft and learn about their different systems. I was able to communicate with other maintenance engineers and had the opportunity to work on the jets, which consolidated and strengthened my learning.” Lache, aerospace engineering apprentice
“The skills I’ve developed in my apprenticeship, including active listening, corporate etiquette and adaptability will be with me for life. My technical skillset will be especially useful – no DIY home refurbishment plan is too complicated or expensive when you’re a project controller!” Ayesha, project control apprentice
#5 Collaboration/teamwork
“I’ve developed strong collaboration skills, gaining a clearer understanding of my role within my profession and how to both support and learn from others. Expanding my professional network has deepened my appreciation for colleagues' knowledge and experience, enabling me to balance contributing to and learning from the team effectively.” Juliette, project management degree apprentice
“In all functions across the business, teamwork is an integral part of a successful operation – during my apprenticeship I've been fortunate enough to work in numerous teams across a variety of specialities and disciplines. By being involved in these teams it’s allowed me to demonstrate and develop my team-working skills.” Joe, craft engineering apprentice
“This has also improved my collaboration skills, ranging from extra-curricular projects, to work within my placement, helping to foster a friendly and professional environment.” Lache, aerospace engineering apprentice
Why join BAE Systems as an apprentice?
We offer everything you need to launch your career:
Find out more about our apprenticeships in the UK, Australia, or our global digital intelligence. Discover inspiring stories from our employees or read more reasons to choose an apprenticeship with BAE Systems.
To note, our apprentice application window is open for a few months, usually opening at the beginning of November and closing end February.
Please note that some roles at BAE Systems are subject to security and export control restrictions. Your nationality or place of birth may also limit the roles you can undertake.
