This is our own independent research from public sources. The employer hasn't reviewed, paid for or approved it.
Key figures
- Apprentices in training across the UK (December 2025)
- 5,100
- Source: BAE Systems (opens in a new tab)
- Apprenticeship and graduate programmes available in the UK
- 60+
- Source: BAE Systems (opens in a new tab)
- Share of apprentices BAE Systems says choose to stay with the company
- 94%
- Source: BAE Systems careers (opens in a new tab)
- New apprentice starters who were female, against 17% across UK engineering and technology
- Almost 30%
- Source: BAE Systems (opens in a new tab)
Overview
BAE Systems is one of the biggest apprenticeship employers in the UK. In December 2025 it said it had more than 6,800 young people in training across the UK: about 5,100 apprentices and 1,700 graduates. Since 2020 it’s taken on more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates and spent over £1 billion on education and skills.
What you could do
Its UK apprenticeship page describes four levels, from intermediate (Level 2) up to degree (Level 6). They cover engineering, manufacturing, business and technology, with jobs from machinists, technicians and electricians to aerospace engineering and project management degree apprentices. BAE Systems says your course fees are paid and you earn while you learn.
Where you’d train
The company runs three big skills academies, in Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow and Samlesbury. Most apprentice jobs are in the North of England, with others in the South of England, Scotland and Wales.
Who joins
BAE Systems says almost 30% of its new apprentices in 2025 were women, compared with 17% across UK engineering and technology as a whole. Because of the defence work, lots of roles need security clearance, so it’s not just about grades. There’s more on that in the entry requirements below.
What they do
BAE Systems designs and builds defence, aerospace and security systems. Its UK apprenticeship page gives examples such as aircraft component manufacture and work on defence projects, at sites that include Barrow-in-Furness, Glasgow, Samlesbury and Cowes on the Isle of Wight.
Apprenticeships they offer
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Intermediate apprenticeships
Entry-level, hands-on roles
Level 2. An entry route for school and college leavers or career changers, combining hands-on and classroom training. Example specialisms include joinery and painting.
-
Advanced apprenticeships
Engineering, technology and business
Level 3, which BAE Systems compares to A levels. Example roles include machinist, technician, pipefitter and electrician (the last two in Glasgow).
-
Higher apprenticeships
Engineering, business and finance
Levels 4 and 5, which BAE Systems compares to a Higher National Diploma or foundation degree.
-
Degree apprenticeships
Including aerospace engineering and project management
Level 6, leading to a bachelor's degree while working. BAE Systems says these take four to five years to complete.
Career areas
Entry requirements
We have not found entry requirements published in a form we can verify for this employer. They usually vary by programme, so check each role's details on the official site.
Who can apply
- Many roles are subject to security and export control restrictions, so nationality, previous nationalities and place of birth can affect eligibility.
- All applicants must at least achieve the Baseline Personnel Security Standard.
- Many roles need higher-level National Security Vetting, which BAE Systems says typically requires 5 to 10 years of continuous UK residency, depending on the level.
Our tips for BAE Systems
- Check the security and vetting rules first. They can rule you out whatever your grades, so it's better to know before you spend time on an application.
- Look at which site a role is based at. Every job is tied to a particular location, and the work is different at each one.
- BAE Systems also runs insight days, work experience and T Level placements, which are a good way to see if the work suits you.
- With more than 60 programmes, compare the qualification each one leads to, not just the job title.
Summary
- BAE Systems has around 5,100 apprentices in training and more than 60 UK apprenticeship and graduate programmes.
- Programmes go from Level 2 to Level 6, and the company says your course fees are paid.
- It says 94% of apprentices choose to stay, and almost 30% of its new apprentices in 2025 were women.
- Lots of roles need security clearance, which usually means 5 to 10 years of living in the UK.
Related video
Apps in Action - BAE Systems 2022
Questions about BAE Systems apprenticeships
What apprenticeships does BAE Systems offer?
More than 60 UK apprenticeship and graduate programmes, from Level 2 intermediate to Level 6 degree apprenticeships, in engineering, technology, business and finance.
Do you need security clearance for a BAE Systems apprenticeship?
Everyone needs at least the Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles need National Security Vetting, which BAE Systems says usually means 5 to 10 years of living in the UK without a break.
Does BAE Systems pay for your degree?
BAE Systems says fees for academic and vocational qualifications are funded, and its degree apprenticeships take four to five years.
How many apprentices does BAE Systems have?
About 5,100 in training across the UK in December 2025. It says 94% choose to stay with the company, and almost 30% of new apprentices were women.
Sources and review
Last reviewed . Details can change after this date, so check the official source before you rely on them.