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BAE Systems has restarted its drive to recruit 800 apprentices in the UK amid the ongoing coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic situation.
Earlier this year, approximately 9,000 people across the country applied for apprenticeship roles. The company has shortlisted about 2,000 candidates aged between 16 and 19 years.
The company’s early careers teams selected the candidates by conducting safe and remote interviews.
Once successful, the applicants will be enrolled on one of 25 apprenticeship training programmes offered by the company’s Air, Maritime and Electronic Systems divisions.
Most of the recruited candidates will join from September to January while 70% of the total applicants are based in the north of England.
The selected applicants will be provided an opportunity to work on programmes of national interest, including working with the armed forces at RAF Coningsby or Portsmouth Naval Base.
Work will also include the development of future combat air technologies for the Tempest programme in Warton, Lancashire, and building of Dreadnought submarines in Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, and Type 26 frigates in Glasgow.
BAE Systems has recently launched a new graduate programme, which will see a number of intakes throughout the year.
Additionally, the company plans to provide 60 one-year industrial placements to candidates. These candidates are expected to join in September this year.
BAE Systems CEO Charles Woodburn said: “Getting people back to work and creating new jobs, especially for younger people, is a national priority and we’re pleased to play our part in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.
“The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security.
“We’ve worked hard to adapt our application and training processes to allow education to continue, whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and new recruits.”
