BAE offers hundreds of early career opportunities in Barrow

More than 700 early career opportunities are being offered in Barrow as BAE Systems opens applications for its 2026 intake. The defence company, which now has more than 6,800 young people in training across the UK, is recruiting 525 apprentices, 104 undergraduates and 93 graduates for its submarines business in Barrow, along with six apprenticeships and three undergraduate placements in its weapons systems division.
Chief executive Charles Woodburn said the record numbers reflect both the strength of young talent in the UK and the company’s commitment to developing essential skills for national security. Across the country, BAE Systems expects more than 1,400 new apprentices and graduates to join in 2026, supporting significant investment in education and training since 2020.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said defence remains a major driver of UK growth, with the next generation helping to build key equipment for the Armed Forces. BAE Systems has also invested in new skills academies in Barrow, Glasgow and Samlesbury.
Cheyenne, a third-year steelwork apprentice, said the hands-on nature of her role and the stability offered by the company have given her confidence in her future. She added that contributing to national defence is something she is proud of.
Opportunities span steelwork, engineering, software development, cyber security, project management and finance. Nearly 30 percent of this year’s apprentice starters are female, compared with 17 percent across the wider UK engineering and technology sector.
Applications for the 2026 apprenticeship intake are now open and will close once sufficient submissions are received, but no later than the end of February 2026. Graduate intakes run throughout the year.