A defence and engineering giant behind one of the biggest shipbuilding programmes in Scotland is to take on hundreds of early career workers.

More than 200 new apprentices and graduates will join BAE Systems in Scotland with many working on programmes "critical to national security", including the building of Type-26 warships for the Royal Navy.

The firm said it expects to pass £1 billion in spending on education, training and skills across the UK since the start of the decade.

Glasgow saw the benefits of this funding earlier this year as BAE Systems opened a new Shipbuilding Academy dedicated to training new apprentices and graduates.

The company is recruiting for more than 2,400 new apprentice, undergraduate and graduate roles in 2025 across the UK, which will result in a record number of 6,500 in training, making up approximately 15 per cent of its countrywide workforce.

An anticipated £230 million investment in education and skills next year will take the total amount spent on upskilling people across the UK since 2020 to beyond £1 billion.

Charles Woodburn, chief executive of BAE Systems, said: “As the UK’s largest defence company, we rely on the skill and ingenuity of those who deliver our programmes, which is why it’s so crucial we continue to invest in our people.

“With thousands of roles open for application across the length and breadth of the country and our exciting high technology programmes, there has never been a better time to embark on a new career with us.”

John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “BAE Systems are a leading light in the UK defence industry and play a crucial role in keeping the men and women of our Armed Forces equipped on the front line. 

“Defence offers exciting careers and this investment is a vote of confidence in the UK as a leader for cutting-edge employment, creating highly skilled jobs across the UK.

“National security is the foundation for national stability and growth. Our Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure our defence sector is an engine for jobs and growth, strengthening our security and our economy.”

Francesca Di Mascio, 27, first year electrical engineering apprentice at BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business, said:

“I joined BAE Systems because job security is important to me and I wanted to work in a hands-on environment. The job was everything I’d hoped for plus the extra benefit of being part of the community in the shipyard gives me an extra sense of purpose.”

The closing date for apprentice applications is February 28, 2025. There are multiple graduate intakes throughout the year, including January, April, July, August and September. Find out more: baesystems.com/earlycareers

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The historic Scottish firm has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of four partners and a director from within the company while promoting 65 people across the business.

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Navigating the impact of inheritance tax on farmers and landowners

This article appears as part of the Money HQ newsletter.

Along with the proposed changes to most “unused” pension benefits, the impending changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief have grabbed the headlines.

The potential impact on the farming community has been so passionately felt that many have taken to protesting in Westminster in an attempt to get their concerns heard and stir sympathy and support with the public.