BAE Systems will welcome nearly 250 new apprentices and graduates to its Scottish operations in 2026, with many of them expected to work on programmes including the Type-26 frigates for the UK Royal Navy.
This initiative forms part of a wider recruitment plan involving almost 2,300 apprentices, graduates, and undergraduates across the company’s UK business.
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Currently, the company trains more than 6,800 young people across the UK, including about 5,100 apprentices, and 1,700 graduates.
BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn said: “The record number of apprentices and graduates in our business working on some of the world’s most important defence programmes highlights the exceptional talent of young people in this country and our commitment to developing the skills vital for our nation’s future security.”
Since 2020, BAE Systems has recruited more than 10,000 apprentices and graduates, investing more than £1bn ($1.3bn) in education and skills programmes.
The investment has led to the creation of skills academies in Barrow, Glasgow, and Samlesbury, which provide training that supports advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) expertise needed for sovereign defence capability.
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By GlobalDataThe company also maintains partnerships with colleges, universities, and organisations such as Movement to Work.
Cheyenne, a third-year steelwork apprentice at BAE Systems’ submarines business said: “Working on a programme that’s critical to the UK’s defence is something I’m very proud of. Seeing submarines at different stages of build really shows the importance of my role and the contribution we’re making to protect our nation.”
Applications are open for apprenticeship roles starting in 2026 and will close once sufficient numbers have been received or by the end of February 2026.
In November 2025, BAE Systems indicated that its performance met expectations in the second half of fiscal year 2025 due to positive order momentum. The company has received orders exceeding £27bn ($35bn) so far this year.
