BAE Systems, a prominent player in the global defence, aerospace, and security market, offers a comprehensive suite of products and services tailored for air, land, and naval forces, alongside pioneering solutions in electronics, security, and information technology.
The company’s Electronic Systems division specialises in both commercial and defence electronics, encompassing a wide array of technologies such as flight and engine controls, electronic warfare systems, surveillance and communications equipment, and solutions for power and energy management.
BAE Systems stands at the vanguard of defence and security innovation in the UK, distinguished by its engineering acumen, technical proficiency, innovative design, and groundbreaking technologies.
For those with the creativity and resolve to engage in some of the world’s most pioneering projects, a role within this organisation presents an ideal match.
Here’s an overview of the schemes offered by BAE Systems:
Work experience
Gaining practical experience in engineering can significantly enhance your career prospects. Participating in work experience at BAE Systems offers this opportunity firsthand. Specifically, at the Rochester location of BAE Systems’ Electronic Systems, students undertaking GCSEs or equivalent qualifications have access to enriching work placements.
These placements cover a diverse range of fields including Engineering, Finance, Commercial operations, Facilities, Business Development, Programme Management, and Information Technology.
Three separate weeks are dedicated to these experiences, offering insights into the working environment, valuable skills, and a chance for participants to engage in team-building exercises, site tours, and a project presentation related to their selected area of interest.
Taster weeks
Experience engineering firsthand during the Engineering Taster Weeks, held twice annually in late June or early July. These weeks are designed for A-level students or equivalent who are studying STEM subjects and contemplating a career in engineering. The goal is to encourage the pursuit of STEM subjects at university, potentially leading to BAE Systems sponsorship. Activities include a manufacturing tour, a chance to experience the high-specification, fast-jet simulator, engineering introductions through talks and presentations, skill-building activities that showcase engineering challenges, and a group project to design a fast-jet cockpit, culminating in a presentation to senior management.
Technical apprenticeship
Over the course of three years as a Technical Apprentice, you will master the maintenance and creation of electronic systems for both military and civil uses, like flight controls and surveillance sensors. The apprenticeship begins with an introductory week, including team-building activities, followed by a year of foundational training offsite and two years of on-the-job training with day release for a BTEC qualification. Requirements include five GCSEs (grades 9-4) in Maths and English, hands-on aptitude, teamwork, communication skills, medical fitness, UK work eligibility, and the ability to obtain security clearance. Upon completion, roles in production, engineering, and other areas await, alongside earning diplomas in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering at various levels.
In addition to the above you will also receive a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, on-the-job training, and career development.
Software engineer – degree apprenticeship
This apprenticeship programme is aimed at cultivating your skills in software engineering, teaching you to design, build, and test superior software solutions by applying engineering principles across the software development lifecycle. This includes analysis, design, development, and more.
Alongside academic learning, you’ll work on projects to gain hands-on experience in BAE Systems’ complex systems. Starting with foundational knowledge, you’ll advance to more complex tasks, aiming to qualify as a Software Engineer.
You’ll need five GCSEs (grades 9-4) including Maths and English, and 112 UCAS points from STEM subjects, leading to a BSc (Hons) in Digital and Technology Solutions from Cranfield University.
Summer internship
Transforming academic theory into practical experience, a summer internship at BAE Systems offers a 12-week deep dive into the professional environment, focusing on real-world projects. This experience is designed to enhance skills and provide industry knowledge, supported by expert guidance. Successful interns may bypass some recruitment steps for the Graduate Accelerate programme.
The Industrial Placement scheme, aimed at undergraduates in business, engineering, or finance, requires a minimum 2:2 predicted grade and offers a year of immersive work experience, potentially leading to a Graduate Accelerate programme offer.
Graduate Accelerate programme
The Graduate Accelerate programme offers focused, 18-month placements for individuals with a keen interest and potential in their chosen field, either business or engineering. Applicants need a minimum 2:2 Bachelor’s degree, specific to the field for engineering roles. The scheme includes a welcoming immersion programme, mentorship, a personal effectiveness project, and a comprehensive graduate workshop, aiming to foster ambition and provide substantive training and practical experience for career success.
A competitive starting salary is offered as well as a £2,000 welcome payment, annual performance and salary reviews, competitive pension scheme, discounted healthcare, car lease, and share schemes plus 20% of salary available upfront as an optional advance.
How to apply
Now that you’ve had the chance to look at the various schemes and opportunities on offer, all you need to do is get your application on its way. For further information on how to apply or details on the areas that you are most interested in, visit the websites below:
Work Experience: www.baesystems.com/workexperience
To find out more about our Engineering Taster Weeks: www.baesystems.com/en/etw
Apprenticeships: www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/apprenticeships
Graduate programme, internships, and undergraduate opportunities: www.baesystems.com/graduates
Early career case studies
Alexa, Hardware Engineer (Former Intern, Former Grad)
“I started my career at BAE Systems in Rochester as a summer intern during my integrated masters and developed tests for our augmented reality helmet for pilots – Striker II. I was then offered a place on the graduate scheme as a hardware engineer.
“The graduate scheme gave me the chance to work on some of BAE Systems’ latest projects. Getting to be part of a team working on world-leading technologies gives me the motivation to try my best every day, and the ability to apply my skills and solve real problems.
“After finishing the graduate scheme in 2022, I was lucky to be selected for ‘Future Talent’, a programme designed to accelerate the development of future leaders throughout the organisation. This has given me the chance to take part in a number of exciting part-time projects alongside my day job.
“One project was rebuilding a product demonstrator kit for a head-up display camera, resulting in a whirlwind three-day trip to Switzerland to show it to the customer! In my current project, I am leading a team of engineers working on a critical flight control computer refresh.
On reflection, the last year has stretched the bounds of what I am capable of, but in doing so it is energising to continue to develop new strengths and skills.”
Roxanne, Technical Apprentice
“I like to create, design, and fix things, which is why I became an electronics apprentice at BAE Systems in Rochester. I’m now in my third year and on placement testing flight sticks for civil aircraft.
“BAE Systems is a great place to work. One of the best things about working here is how inclusive it is. If there is something a bit different about you, it’s embraced, and everyone is accepted. There is a culture of learning, especially around how to navigate differences respectfully.
“Beyond the day job, I’ve enjoyed attending Medway Pride with members and allies of our LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group, and I’ve volunteered at the Royal British Legion Industries in Aylesford with the other apprentices. I was even invited to the BBC South East Politics Show, where I spoke about my apprenticeship, and encouraged women and non-binary people to explore science, technology, engineering and maths careers.
“If you’re weighing up your options, then you should know that an apprenticeship is paid education and at BAE Systems you’ll get all the support you need to succeed.”
Bayley, Technical Apprentice
“When I considered my career path, I knew that an apprenticeship would be the best option for me to earn and learn at the same time. In fact, I’m the third generation of apprentices in my family, following in the footsteps of my dad and grandad.
“This isn’t my first apprenticeship – I actually began basic training with the Royal Navy at sixteen. However, after several weeks I realised it wasn’t for me, but I still had a desire to work in the aerospace and defence industry.
“BAE Systems in Rochester is local to where I live, so it made sense to apply, and now I’m second-year technical apprentice. Coming into work every day and knowing that I’m helping to protect people across the globe is really motivating. One of the coolest things about working here is seeing how the technology that we develop benefits people in the real world.
On the social side, my year-group are all good friends and I also get on well with apprentices in the year above. I feel really supported and included – everyone is friendly, my college tutors are great, and so are the BAE Systems team who manage and safeguard us.
“I feel lucky to be able to rotate through different areas of the business and see how it runs as a whole, which you don’t always get at other companies. I’m looking forward to achieving as many qualifications as I can, growing my career, and seeing where my journey will lead with BAE Systems.”
