By Karen Peattie

BAE SYSTEMS plans to recruit a record number of new trainees into its early careers programmes in 2021 with more than 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles available across the UK.

The defence giant said it was “the highest number we have ever recruited in a single year”, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

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

Earlier this year, BAE Systems announced a raft of contracts totalling £100 million as part of a £1 billion investment across its supply chain supporting jobs at its Glasgow shipyards.

Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems, 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, while playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”