BAE Systems, sponsor of the SME Apprentice of the Year Award

We provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions and employ a skilled workforce of some 89,600 people in more than 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop technology that helps to save lives, protect borders and people, strengthen nations, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

We invest almost £100m in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK annually and currently have nearly 3,300 apprentices and graduates in training across our UK businesses, equivalent to almost 10% of our 35,300 strong UK workforce.

Apprentices joining the Company have the opportunity to study and gain qualifications in a vast range of professions, including electronic systems design, cyber security, software development, aerospace engineering, accountancy and human resources.

From state of the art cyber threat detection to flight control systems that enable pilots to make better decisions, we never stop innovating to ensure that our customers maintain their advantage. This is a long-term commitment involving significant investments in skills. We also work closely with local partners to support economic development through the transfer of knowledge, skills and technology.