The future is often daunting, but what if you could be prepared for it ahead of everyone else?
A global company is investing in local people so that they can gain skills not just for what comes next, but after.
Aerospace company BAE Systems provides advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions in the UK and around the world.
Its 100,000-strong workforce across more than 40 countries develops, engineers, manufactures, and supports products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.
From nuclear powered submarines and future combat air systems, to nano-technology electronics for satellites and cyber protection that secures national infrastructure, BAE Systems aims to be one step ahead – and is bringing local people with it.
Ahead of the future
With a history of ‘innovation firsts’, BAE Systems continually invests in research and development in an effort to keep advancing the world we live in.
In 2022, it funded £142m of research and development in the UK to help it become a science and technology superpower, part of its enormous total investment of £1.45bn.
But BAE Systems doesn’t just deliver solutions; there’s an ecosystem within which sees lives changed, nations empowered, and economies developed.
In the UK, across more than 50 locations, the company harnesses the skills and creativity of 45,700 people – more than 11,000 of which are based at its Warton and Samlesbury air sector sites in Lancashire.
As well as supporting thousands of people’s everyday lives with meaningful jobs, BAE Systems contributes an exceptional amount to the UK’s economy. It has spent £4.1bn with 6,000 UK businesses, 245 of which are in Lancashire.
Even outside of business contributions, BAE Systems’ air sector in the region donated more than £380,000 to local community projects and charities, supporting young people, veterans and the environment.
Advancing for the future
Through established and new programmes, BAE Systems aims to power the next generation of skills, ensuring that local people can be on the frontline of innovation, and that the UK has a robust pipeline of talent for the future.
For decades, BAE Systems’ Hawk advanced jet trainer has played a pivotal role in training pilots and craft and engineering apprentices, and its Typhoon fighter jet has showcased the UK’s capability to produce innovative combat aircraft and advance skills.
Moreover, the development of the Tempest programme – with its focus on advanced digital architecture – is poised to revolutionise the skill-sets required for future advancements in stealth technology, artificial intelligence, and autonomous systems.
BAE Systems is taking Lancashire along on this mission, dedicating its Warton site in Fylde and Ribble Valley’s Samlesbury site – including the local people working there – to being part of the world-changing programmes.
Warton has played a key role in projects such as Typhoon, Hawk and F-35, as well as the most recent launch of FalconWorks, the Flying Demonstrator, and Tempest; while Samlesbury has evolved to become an advanced manufacturing facility involved in Typhoon and F-35 military aircraft manufacturing.
Investing in people
With its long history of fostering skills and creating opportunities for new talent, apprentices, and graduates, BAE Systems continually expands and enhances its team to meet technology evolution and digital advancements.
Only 7% of young people (aged 18-24) in the UK are made aware of alternative further education opportunities such as apprenticeships, however, when asked if they would be likely to consider an apprenticeship as an alternative to university, 52% agreed*.
Whether training or undertaking everyday tasks, apprentices get hands-on experience with innovative technologies – offering daily opportunities to develop and learn.
From experts in data science, AI and advanced systems engineering, to great communicators and those supporting the inner-workings of the company, it is always looking for ambitious people to join its inclusive and flexible work environments.
In 2023, its air sector recruited almost 1,500 experienced professionals and invested £230m in education, skills and training. This year, it has created 2,700 apprentice and graduate opportunities, nearly 500 of who will be taken on at its air sites in Lancashire.
In fact, Samlesbury is home to its £20m Academy of Skills & Knowledge which acts as the business’ home for lifelong learning.
Yaamin from Bolton joined the engineering apprenticeship at BAE Systems after realising university wasn’t right for him and dropping out.
Through the programme, he gets the chance to work in two different placements a year and gets hands-on experience with exciting, real-life projects, responsibility, and problem solving.
Yaamin said: “When I was a young boy, I would gaze through the gates of BAE Systems’ Samlesbury site, marvelling at the jets on display. I never thought I’d get beyond those gates, let alone be working towards my dream job here.
“Now, I’m five years into my apprenticeship and I can confidently say that it’s exceeded all of my expectations. My experience has made me even more certain that I can continue to work here for the long-term, growing and learning more and more every day.
“My advice to anyone considering a similar path to me is to be open-minded, be bold, and don’t be afraid to try something new. If you have the drive, enthusiasm and willingness to learn, you could be here.”
Combining people with past knowledge and experience with a new generation of upcoming experts, together, BAE Systems aims to form a cohesive workforce that drives innovation and maintains the UK’s high-standing in combat air technology on the global stage.
Find out more about BAE Systems at baesystems.com
*Source: Savanta MHP Education Tables – w221