The deadline to apply for one of more than 230 vacancies for apprentices at BAE Systems Submarines in Barrow is approaching.
Roles on offer vary widely; from engineering and project management to HR and business.
All promise detailed training with time spent on placements on site and in the newly opened Academy for Skills and Knowledge.
The new recruits are needed to start in September and will complete one of a variety of training programmes which provide the opportunity to study for a recognised qualification while working full time within world class engineering making use of cutting edge technology
For current higher apprentice Paris-Ayo Corkill from Barrow the chance to join the apprenticeship programme was irresistible. Six months into her course the project management apprentice is loving the challenge of getting to grips with new skills.
Paris said: “I was thinking of reading law at university and even had a place but the more I heard about the apprenticeship scheme, the more I felt this was the right avenue for me.”
She’s the third generation to join the business. Her father is principal commissioning engineer Kevin Corkill while grandfather Chris spent 43 years working in the Barrow yard.
Chris Corkill said: “I couldn’t be more proud; I have three sons who all work here too so for Paris to join them is brilliant.”
Paris said: “It was a tough decision not to go to uni but in the end it came down to the fact there is a job to be done here and opportunities at the end of the apprenticeship which may not have been there had I gone to university.”
She added: “I think this has been a brilliant opportunity for me to further my education, which initially I only thought was something university could really offer me. In September I started my degree in Project Management and I’m really enjoying it, especially when I can put into practice what I’m studying in a working environment. The company is hugely supportive in our development and gives us all the support we need with all aspects of our work.”
Nigel Chadwick, BAE’s head of early careers for submarines, said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer a wide range of experiences for students looking to get into an exciting industry delivering a world class product designed and built here in Cumbria. Our new Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge is an ideal base for apprentices who will spend time in this brand new creative environment.”
He added: “We’re looking forward to hearing from applicants with a variety of skills who will relish the opportunity of learning alongside a skilled workforce, keen to pass on their experience.”
The closing date for applications is February 28 and for apprentices like Paris the chance to join a company designing the UK’s future submarine capability is one she’d recommend.
Paris said: “The thought of starting work in a huge company might be daunting, but I can say from first-hand experience since starting I’ve received so much support from early careers, function and placement managers and other apprentices on my scheme.
https://www.baesystems.com/en/careers/careers-in-the-uk/apprenticeships
