Young Lancashire youngsters hope their careers take off after placement at BAE Systems

Seven young people have this month joined the company’s Air Sector business for a six month placement and will work on some of its flagship projects.

They will work in functions such as Project Management, Procurement and Commercial, where they will gain insight and experience into the critical support that BAE Systems its partners and suppliers provide to the UK’s defence and security capability.

They will gain experience and business acumen from those involved in the support and maintenance of the UK’s military air capability including Hawk, Typhoon and F-35 and the development of capabilities for Tempest; the next generation of combat aircraft for the Royal Air Force.

Nigel Davies, principal of the Academy of Skills and Knowledge in Samlesbury said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Kickstart scheme and are hopeful that it will provide a new pipeline of talent for young people into our apprenticeship and graduate programmes as we continue to seek to recruit people from diverse backgrounds and help young people achieve their full potential.”

More than 30 are joining BAE Systems across its UK sites for placements in the scheme for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

BAE Systems said that more than 600 young people had undertaken placements with it and in 2019, 80 per cent of those completing them went on to continue their training or secure permanent employment, including 33 who secured roles with the firm.

Minister for Employment Mims Davies MP said: “It’s great to see BAE Systems brilliantly backing this Government’s Kickstart Scheme - helping our next generation of workers become engineers, technicians and train in high-quality roles, enabling them to develop the key skills to thrive in work. There is real potential for them to progress further after the six months.”