Nearly three hundred new apprenticeships and graduate jobs will be shared between Scotstoun and Govan shipbuilding yards.

The UK’s biggest defence company BAE Systems is set for a “record-breaking” recruitment drive in 2024 with almost 2,700 new early career roles available to young people across the UK.

277 of that number have been ringfenced for the two BAE Naval yards in Glasgow, with 198 apprentice roles, 26 undergraduate openings and 53 graduate roles.

The company has more than doubled its early careers intake in the past five years offering more young people than ever the prospect of exciting long-term careers supporting the nation’s armed forces and security services.

And BAE chief executive Charles Woodburn insists these types of schemes are vital to an ever-evolving defence industry.

He said: “As the UK’s largest manufacturer, we have sites located right across the country and we’re investing hundreds of millions of pounds to equip young people with the skills they need to achieve their full potential.

“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.”

Last year, BAE Systems invested approximately £180m in education, skills and early careers activities in the UK and currently has more than 5,500 apprentices and graduates in training across its UK businesses, equivalent to more than 10% of its almost 40,000 strong UK workforce.

With more than 60 programmes available, there are opportunities at every level, from steelwork and electrical engineering to cyber security, software development, human resources and project management.

Successful applicants have the chance to work on some of the world’s most advanced technology programmes including the Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s next-generation submarines known as SSN-AUKUS.

Robert Halfon, Minister for Higher Education, Apprenticeships and Skills, said: “We need big employers onside in our efforts to build a skills and apprenticeships nation and this record-breaking announcement from BAE Systems is fantastic to see.

“Apprenticeships provide a ladder of opportunity for people to get in-demand skills and really push on in their careers, and these roles offered by a top apprenticeship employer will transform lives and boost growth right around the UK.”

The closing date for apprentice applications is February 28, 2024. Find out more and apply: baesystems.com/earlycareers