Careers at BAE Systems: Get your engineering career off to a flying start with apprenticeships in Yorkshire
Meet Joel – who’s not your stereotypical apprentice straight out of school, college or even university. He’s a great example of the opportunity apprenticeships at BAE Systems offer.
After finishing his A-levels when he was 18, Joel signed up for a sponsorship with the Merchant Navy. He trained for three years to become a navigation officer, which meant he was part of the team responsible for operating large commercial vessels.
That career path led him to working for a cruise liner company for six years, were he worked his way up the ranks. And then the pandemic hit.
“After the pandemic hit, I decided I needed a change,” said Joel.
“I took a role back home in East Yorkshire as a junior regional manager for a logistics company. It involved a lot of data analysis and problem solving. It was then that I realised I enjoyed thinking analytically. After a couple of years in that role, I felt I was ready for a new challenge.
Over 12 years of training and work had made me understand what I was looking for in a job. I knew I enjoyed teamwork, problem solving and looking at data. I wanted to be able to bring all of those elements together. I began researching apprenticeships and came across BAE Systems. It was exciting to see I could make a career change and get a degree as part of that.
So, Joel jumped ship, took the plunge and applied for an Aerospace software engineering apprenticeship at BAE Systems’ Brough site.
Less than nine months into his first year, how is Joel finding it so far?
Joel said: “I’m really enjoying it and feel really supported. I do three days on placement in the workplace, getting hands-on experience, one day at college and then a study day each week, where I can develop my portfolio or work on university assignments.
“As well as the learning at college, we also have the opportunity to undertake courses at work – I’ve recently done a two-day course to help me develop a better understanding of the software I’m working with.
I just think working on aircraft systems and developing software is a really exciting industry to be in. I’m looking forward to seeing how I progress. I hear so many people in the business talk about the opportunities they’ve had. I’m not worried about hitting a glass ceiling.
What would you say to someone considering applying for an apprenticeship at BAE Systems?
Joel added: “I would say don’t hesitate – go for it! It’s fantastic to get paid to learn and at the end you’re coming out with so many skills.”
Seize the opportunity, no matter your age or experience – there’s no harm in applying if that sector interests you.
Are you ready to learn and earn?
Are you ready to make a difference? You could be a pioneer, fast-tracking the future of BAE Systems through innovative technology and next-generation engineering feats. With their apprenticeships, you’ll earn while you learn and receive job-specific training, experience and recognised qualifications to kickstart your career.
Get going from day one in a role that really matters. Play your part in creating cutting-edge products and services to help secure the world’s future – and your own.
Learn more from their inspiring apprentices about what opportunities lie ahead for those who join early careers programmes: www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/employee-stories.