EDUCATION
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
LEARN , EARN AND GAIN A QUALIFICATION AT
KENT AEROSPACE BUSINESS
BAE Systems has more than doubled its early careers intake in the past five years , making a significant contribution to the UK economy and offering more young people than ever the prospect of exciting long-term careers supporting the nation ’ s armed forces and security services .
Its Rochester site is one of Kent ’ s largest private employers and continues to grow
for the future . What ’ s more , applications are now open for BAE Systems ’ 2025 intake of apprentices , undergraduates and graduates .
There are a range of positions available , from technical and engineering apprenticeships to internships , industrial placements and graduate roles in hardware , mechanical , systems or software engineering disciplines , and more .
Are the young people in your life weighing up their options for the future ?
See how others are navigating their path . This is the story of three young people who took a chance and found fulfilling careers at one of Kent ’ s largest private employers – BAE Systems in Rochester , a company that knows how important it is to follow your heart and make your passions work for you .
Adam is a degree-level software engineering apprentice who learns from experienced engineers on-the-job while earning a wage and his degree at the same time .
“ I think BAE Systems is a great company to work for and the opportunities are endless . I ’ ve already been involved with research and development for several exciting projects . One was to do with virtual reality and another was to do with human-machine interfaces ,” says Adam .
“ The people here are fantastic and I get to meet other software apprentices from around the country when we go to our inperson university week every three months . I also benefit from flexible work hours , so I can balance my studies and keep up with my sports and social life outside of work .”
Software engineer Zoe completed an undergraduate placement at BAE Systems in Rochester during university .
“ I ’ d learnt a bit about BAE Systems and felt I wanted to work here . I really missed it here when I went back to university , so I returned to the graduate scheme after completing my degree . Now I ’ m a fully-fledged software engineer ,” says Zoe .
“ We ’ re working to create a welcoming environment for everyone , which I think is really important . We have several Employee Resource Groups ( ERGs ) and the closest to me is OutLink , which supports LGBTQ + employees and allies . I ’ m always very happy to see the ERG out and about , or the flag up outside work , and I wear my rainbow lanyard with pride . My advice to anyone pursuing a career at BAE Systems is that it ’ s a very nurturing and supportive learning environment here and you ’ ll learn on-thejob from engineers with many years of experience .”
Technical apprentice Bayley applied because he also wanted to earn and learn at the same time .
“ I feel lucky to be able to rotate through different areas of the business and see how it runs as a whole , which you don ’ t always get at other companies ,” explains Bayley . “ The technology that we develop is really cool , but it also benefits people in the real world . Knowing that I ’ m helping to protect people across the globe is really motivating .”
Whichever early career programme you choose , you ’ ll learn , grow and thrive at BAE Systems , with all the training and support you need to find your unique place .
The application window for early careers closes at the end of February 2025 , so don ’ t delay .
Learn more at baesystems . com / earlycareers
202 • www . insidekent . co . uk