BAE Systems announces Portsmouth and Cowes apprenticeships

Portsmouth is among the BAE Systems sites offering apprenticeships and graduate employment

More than 180 apprenticeships and graduate jobs in the defence and security industry are set to be created in Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

BAE Systems has announced its latest recruitment drive to include positions at Portsmouth Naval Base and at Cowes.

They are among more than 1,400 new apprenticeships at the company's sites across the country.

The company said its careers schemes were essential for "developing the talent pipeline".

BAE Systems also plans to recruit almost 1,300 graduates nationally in 2024 - 1,100 more graduate positions compared to five years ago.

Programmes available include steelwork and electrical engineering as well as cyber security, software development, and project management.

Successful applicants would get the chance to work on advanced technology programmes including the Global Combat Air Programme and the UK's next-generation submarines known as SSN-AUKUS.

One hundred and nine apprenticeships are being offered in maritime services in Portsmouth and Cowes, as well as 13 in naval ships and 17 in submarines.

A further 34 undergraduate roles and 40 graduate positions are also being created.

Chief Executive Charles Woodburn said: "Providing high quality apprenticeships and graduate programmes gives young people a route into long-term employment and helps to grow the talent we need to deliver vital national defence and security programmes, including future fighter jets, nuclear-powered submarines and low earth orbit satellites."

BAE Systems employs 93,100 people in about 40 countries.

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