“BAE Systems is committed to providing an inclusive working culture and we aim to attract talented people regardless of their background. We have consistently supported early career opportunities by creating and delivering award winning training programmes. We are proud to be a founding member of the Movement to Work programme which has proved to be a great success in providing employment opportunities for young people across our business.”
Charles Woodburn, Chief Executive Officer, BAE Systems
| Sector | Engineering |
| UK Workforce | 30,000 |
| Placement Model | 4-week programme – 2 weeks classroom learning and 2 weeks on-site training |
| Funding Source | Employer-funded |
As a founding member of the Movement to Work, BAE Systems is committed to delivering social mobility which provides quality work experience for disadvantaged young people. Working with The Prince’s Trust’s Get Into Engineering programme, the company provides around 100 work placements for young unemployed people each year. This programme had 32 positive outcomes in 2021, of which nine were roles in BAE Systems.
CASE STUDIES
Nikita’s Story
I left school with BTECs and no GCSEs and decided to go back into education and study Motor Vehicle Level 1 and 2. I had a cleaning job in the mornings before I went to college. I moved and found it very difficult to find work.
I found myself living in supported accommodation due to circumstances out of my control, but it gave me the motivation to press on and find a secure career. My support worker posted a leaflet through my door for the Movement to Work scheme. I secured a place on the taster day and got a place on the scheme.
“At the end of the scheme I was offered a job here and it was the proudest day of my life so far.”
And now I’m very pleased to say I’ve recently moved out of supported accommodation. I am now living in my own flat and working in the job of my dreams. I couldn’t be happier.
Jordan’s Story
I was born with a disability – Pendred Syndrome – where I am profoundly deaf in both ears and cannot hear without my bilateral cochlear implants. I found my GCSE and A levels especially difficult when my mother died and that loss of support was challenging for me and my family.
I dropped out of university after two years, lacking confidence, and started to be reclusive with no idea what to do next. I tried three jobs before I joined the Movement to Work scheme in Rochester.
Now I have worked in the Electronics Apprenticeship for three years and at BAE Systems for 5 years as an Electronics Technician, supporting Active Control Sticks in Aircrafts like Gulfstream Jets and F35. I have a Level 2 NVQ, Level 3 BTEC, Level 4 HNC in Electronics and started an Electronics degree in 2021, all funded by BAE Systems.
BAE Systems have supported my disability throughout, which has enabled me to succeed in a career I enjoy.
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