NEARLY 100 new apprentices and graduates are to be hired for the shipyard in Scotstoun.

BAE Systems announced a total of 850 apprenticeships and 400 graduate roles would be launched in 2021, with 97 based between their Scotstoun and Govan naval shipyards.

It is the highest number ever recruited in a single year by the firm.

The company has also taken on some young people whose apprenticeships had to stop at other firms this year.

Charles Woodburn, chief executive BAE Systems, said: “Getting people back to work and creating high-quality jobs is a national priority. So, it’s more important than ever that those of us who are in a position to do so continue our investment in the UK workforce.

“We’re fortunate that our business is based on long-term critical defence programmes, giving us the confidence to increase our apprentice and graduate recruitment to create a strong talent pipeline, which enables us to continue delivering cutting-edge technologies, whilst playing a role in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”

Almost one in 10 of the shipbuilder’s apprentices are over 25, which the firm said showed there were a range of opportunities to retrain for those left in uncertainty by the pandemic economy.

They said they had doubled the type of programmes offered to more than 50, including those to study to degree or masters levels.

Roles include accountancy, human resources, electronic systems design, software development, joinery and mechanical fitting.

For more information about early careers opportunities with BAE Systems, visit baesystems.com/earlycareers.