Kickstart recruits begin work at BAE Systems

Seven new recruits have joined BAE Systems, beginning work placements within the air sector at the defence giant's Samlesbury site.

The young new starters have joined the organisation through the government-backed Kickstart scheme which has been introduced to boost the economy following the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown.

The programme aims to create hundreds of thousands job placements for 16 to 24 year olds on Universal Credit, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

During their six month placement, the new BAE Systems recruits 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.

The new recruits will work in areas 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.

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."