More Opportunities Than Ever For Young People In Kent

Last summer, BAE Systems announced plans to increase jobs up to 25% over the next five years at its Rochester site, which is one of Kent’s biggest employers with more than 1,500 employees.

The defence contractor’s skilled workforce plays a vital role in defending international security, and supporting the UK’s armed forces and security services.

In addition to roles for experienced professionals, there are more opportunities than ever for young people in Kent, including BAE Systems’ new degree-level apprenticeships in hardware engineering, and software engineering.

There are also undergraduate and graduate programmes in project management, hardware/systems/software engineering, and more.

Mike completed a technical apprenticeship just over a year ago at BAE Systems in Rochester, where he works as a manufacturing engineering assistant, responsible for delivering environmental excellence on the site’s ‘Factory of the Future’ project.

Mike was 30 when he completed his apprenticeship and has gone from strength to strength, which proves that apprenticeships are not just for school leavers.

“I’d already tried a few different careers before joining BAE Systems, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I travelled for a while, came back, and applied for the technical apprenticeship. Even though it wasn’t that long ago, I’ve been given many opportunities at the company and have achieved a lot. I’m now fully focused on developing my career,” said Mike.

Nikita started her BAE Systems career on a work experience placement through The Prince’s Trust’s Movement to Work scheme.

Her positive attitude and desire to learn and grow was noticed by the organisation, and she was the only person in her group to secure a permanent job once the work experience ended.

“I’ve been impressed by the working environment and the cool technology that BAE Systems makes and that I get to work with. It’s really rewarding coming to work every day and knowing that what I do is helping our customers to stay safe,” said Nikita.

Learn more about BAE Systems: www.baesystems.com

Learn more about Movement to Work: https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/what-we-do/suppliers/united-kingdom/movement-to-work