Deadline approaching: Apply now for apprenticeships & careers at BAE Systems Maritime Services in Portsmouth

Would you like a career and the chance to learn as well?

BAE Systems' Maritime Services business – already one of Portsmouth's key employers – will welcome an additional 251 people to its Early Careers programmes this year.

While 78 of those positions require a degree, the remaining 173 roles are divided between applicants with GCSEs and applicants with A Levels. For those apprenticeship positions, the looming application deadline is February 28.

The Maritime Services business, based predominantly at Portsmouth Naval Base and Broad Oak in Hilsea, plays an important role supporting the Royal Navy and other navies around the world. Its people deliver end-to-end support to the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth based surface ships, including the two Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, as well as product development and training.

Looking to earn while you learn, with a proper career path?

It is an exciting business to be in with great opportunities to work closely with the service personnel they support and the available Early Careers positions reflect that. Opportunities range from analysing data like 27-year-old Mohammed Rahman to skilfully manoeuvring heavy loads on and off warships like school leaver Jak Holley.

Meet the apprentices

Mohammed joined in September last year and is now studying for a degree in digital and technology solutions as part of his apprenticeship.

He said: "I have online sessions once-a-week and physical classes once a month. I like the practical element - you get the theory through university and then you get to apply what you learn at work. This is the best way to learn for me.

BAE Systems Maritime Services have over 251 Early Careers places

"I have the University and BAE Systems to support me – I also have my colleagues from whom I can draw expertise."

Mohammed moved from London to Portsmouth to take up his apprenticeship after realising he had a propensity for IT.

He said: "The job is challenging but fun. I’m also getting a lot of support and guidance, while gaining a lot of practical skills and knowledge. It’s a perfect blend of theory and practical.

"People underestimate how valuable apprenticeships are – you are not making teas and coffees but doing meaningful work. A lot of the people I know who went to university are not using what they learned at university in their jobs, but with the apprenticeship, everything I learn at university is tailored to my role."

Another apprentice delighted to have joined BAE Systems Maritime Services is Spanish-born Jak Holley. He is an apprentice slinger enabling heavy loads to be safely craned on and off Royal Navy ships. The 18-year-old is happy to admit his job is 'cool'.

Jak, who moved to Portsmouth when he was six, said: "Without a slinger you can't get the equipment on board. It's a cool job maintaining Royal Navy ships.

"I didn't want to go to college; the classroom environment wasn't something I'd have excelled in. I saw the BAE Systems job advertised so I looked into what a slinger does."

Now in his third year of a four-year apprenticeship, Jak has been able to complete his Maths GCSE with company support and relishes his role, which he describes as 'different every day'.

Days start at around 7.30am with a Toolbox Talks session outlining which are the day's priorities and planning for upcoming tasks. Then the team of 12 slingers are divided into groups suitable for each of the day's jobs.

Jak said: "It's a very enjoyable place to work. There is plenty of variety and I really do look forward to it. Most of my friends work in retail so what I do is quite different to that. It can take a bit of time to explain my job to them.

"Doing an apprenticeship makes you feel more independent and more grown up. It opens your eyes from being 16 at school to being in a work environment with more responsibilities."

Looking forward to completing his apprenticeship next year, Jak hopes to stay on at BAE Systems as a slinger, perhaps eventually taking on more responsibility in the role and working towards being a team leader.

Mohammed and Jak clearly have very distinct roles, but both are using their skillsets on behalf of BAE Systems supporting Royal Navy ships and equipment.

Training and jobs

For more information about the BAE Systems' Early Careers opportunities, visit baesystems.com/earlycareers

The Company is also recruiting for experienced hires across a range of trades and specialisms. See baesystems.com/experiencedprofessionals for more information.