Locations: Barrow-in-Furness, Preston, Brough, Rochester and Portsmouth
About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is one of the world’s leading engineering, defence and aerospace organisations.
We design, build, and support advanced technology across air, land, sea and cyber domains, helping to protect people and national security, while developing cutting-edge engineering solutions used in the UK and globally.
We employ tens of thousands of people across the UK in highly skilled roles including engineering, manufacturing, digital technology, and business support functions.
As part of our long-term commitment to skills development, we invest in early careers pathways that help people access apprenticeships and sustainable employment in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
Our Commitment
BAE Systems is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where people from all backgrounds can develop, progress and succeed.
We work with delivery partners including The King’s Trust, Movement to Work and The Launch Group to support young people into employment through structured work experience and skills development programmes. This offer includes separate programme routes delivered with different partners.
We are focused on:
- Widening access to engineering and technical careers
- Supporting social mobility and inclusive recruitment
- Developing future skills for the UK engineering sector
- Creating clear pathways into apprenticeships and early careers roles
About These Opportunities
Everyone starts somewhere.
These free Early Careers Development Programmes are designed for young people aged 18–30 who are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET). The offer includes King’s Trust-supported programmes and separate The Launch Group / Movement to Work programmes.
It provides structured, on-site work experience with BAE Systems alongside employability support to help participants build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for future work or apprenticeship opportunities.
On This Free Course You’ll:
- Take part in an on-site work experience placement within BAE Systems
- Gain insight into engineering, manufacturing and business operations in a large global organisation
- Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving
- Improve your CV and build interview confidence
- Learn about apprenticeship and early careers pathways within BAE Systems and its supply chain
- Receive employability support from the relevant delivery partner, including The King’s Trust or The Launch Group depending on the programme route
- Be signposted to further training, education or employment opportunities
- Access up to six months of follow-on support after completion (depending on programme delivery)
Progression Opportunities
This programme is designed as a stepping stone into future careers.
Participants may progress into:
- Apprenticeships within BAE Systems
- Apprenticeships with partner or supply chain organisations
- Further education or training pathways
- Entry-level roles in engineering, manufacturing, digital, or business support functions
Progression is not guaranteed and depends on individual circumstances, eligibility and available opportunities.
Programme Dates: King’s Trust-Supported Programmes
Submarines – Barrow-in-Furness
Shared Services – Preston
Separate Programme Offer: The Launch Group / Movement to Work
The Launch Group / Movement to Work programmes are a separate part of this BAE Systems early careers offer. They follow the same programme model as the King’s Trust-supported opportunities, but The Launch Group is responsible for all outreach, applications and delivery for the locations listed below.
For outreach enquiries, please contact
lily.pratt@thelaunchgroup.co.uk.
Candidates can also view opportunities through The Launch Group job search page:
https://thelaunchgroup.co.uk/job-search/.
Eligibility
- Aged 18–30
- Currently not in education, employment or training (NEET)
- Interested in exploring careers in engineering, manufacturing or business support
Get in Touch / Apply
Programme enquiries
Early Careers Team – BAE Systems
For general programme information or early careers opportunities, please contact the BAE Systems Early Careers team via the official careers enquiry route.
To express interest / apply for King’s Trust-supported programmes
The King’s Trust
Email:
OutreachLancs@kingstrust.org.uk
Telephone:
07483 906567
To express interest / apply for The Launch Group / Movement to Work programmes
The Launch Group
Email:
lily.pratt@thelaunchgroup.co.uk
Job search:
https://thelaunchgroup.co.uk/job-search/
Why This Programme Exists
This programme is part of a wider commitment by BAE Systems and its partners to help more young people access careers in engineering and advanced manufacturing.
It is designed to provide real workplace experience and build a bridge into long-term employment and apprenticeship opportunities in high-skilled industries.
Locations: Submarines – Barrow-in-Furness, Shared Services – Preston
