BAE Systems Apprenticeships

Start something extraordinary. Find your purpose.

From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space, earn and learn whilst you pioneer how we protect our future.

At BAE Systems, we create advanced technology that helps protect people and national security across air, land, sea and cyber. As an apprentice, you’ll play a meaningful role in shaping a safer, more secure future for generations to come.

Whether your passion lies in engineering, manufacturing, technology or business and whatever your experience, you’ll be supported alongside the brightest minds through training, experienced mentors and inclusive networks that help you to thrive. With a workforce of around 110,000 people in more than 40 countries, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

We believe diversity of thought fuels innovation. That’s why your background, ideas and unique perspective will be valued, and your hard work recognised. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where you’ll be empowered to pioneer, solve and grow. Working together towards a shared purpose - protecting those who protect us.

You can explore limitless opportunities across disciplines and geographies, earning while you learn and gaining industry recognised qualifications along the way. With long-term career prospects and work that truly makes an impact, you’ll find the security and freedom to shape a career that’s uniquely yours.

Whether you’re taking your first step into the working world or switching up your career; with operations in more than 40 countries and apprenticeships that span 4 levels (Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree) you’ll be able to find a role that suits you, collaborating and learning from people with diverse skills, ways of thinking and backgrounds.

Join us - pioneer your future today.

Why BAE Systems

• ~ growing network of around 110,000 colleagues in more than 40 countries
• Ranked an Outstanding provided by Ofsted and rated Excellent by SDS Scotland
• #2 in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, 2025
• #9 in The Times Top 100 UK Apprenticeship Employers, 2025

What you’ll gain

Market-leading benefits: you'll earn a competitive salary receive generous annual leave and time for your studies , as well as access to our product and service discounts, share scheme and workplace pension and flexible benefits to maintain that all-important lifestyle balance.

Inclusion: An inclusive team is a creative and innovative team. We want everyone to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Who you are should never define what you can do.

Career opportunities: Around 94% of apprentices choose to stay on with us. And, being a global business, there’s a world of opportunities here – whether you stay in the UK or explore an overseas role doing something that really makes a difference.

Experience and qualifications: you'll get real-life experience working on rewarding projects and we'll support you by funding the fees for your academic and vocational qualifications.

Apprenticeship opportunities

Our apprenticeship opportunities span four different levels, so whether you’re starting your career or changing direction – we’ll have a role for you.

Intermediate (Level 2): This is our entry-level apprenticeship, perfect for school and college leavers or career changers. Become a technical expert learning a specialist skill, such as joinery or painting, through a blend of hands-on training and classroom learning.

Advanced (Level 3): Advanced apprenticeships are a great way to make your future fit your ambitions as you develop specialist skills. At the end of the apprenticeship in either in engineering, technology and business, you’ll have valuable qualifications equivalent to A Levels.

Higher (Level 4 and 5): Not sure if university is for you? Higher apprenticeships are a great alternative, giving you the chance to forge a career where you really belong in engineering, business, or finance. The qualifications you can achieve are equivalent to a Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree.

Degree (Level 6): If you want to achieve a degree level qualification while you earn then degree apprenticeships are great for those starting or building their career. Create a future that fits you, especially if you can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university or if you’re looking to make a career change. They take 4-5 years to complete.

Nationality restrictions

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks. Click here for more information on national security vetting levels.

Reasonable adjustments

We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.