BAE Systems has welcomed its first intake of Kickstart recruits, with 11 young people joining the Submarines business in Barrow on March 8.

During their six month placement, the new recruits will gain experience and learn skills vital to the design and construction of the Royal Navy’s latest fleet of submarines.

More than 30 young people are joining across the company’s UK sites, embarking on placements which are designed to give them the opportunity to build their skills, confidence and gain experience with the aim of improving their chances of finding long-term work.

Phil Athersmith, Head of Early Careers Delivery at BAE Systems Submarines, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to continue our support for young people in the local community, particularly those who have been impacted by the pandemic’s effect on the economy. We are hopeful that Kickstart 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.”

The Kickstart Scheme, part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, 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.

BAE Systems is committed to creating high quality training and job opportunities for young people and is a proud supporter of the Movement to Work programme which provides work experience for young people not in employment or training.

In total, more than 600 young people have undertaken placements with the company and in 2019, 80% of those completing placements went on to continue their training or secure permanent employment, including 33 who secured roles in the business.

BAE Systems recently announced that in 2021 it will recruit more than 850 apprentices and 400 graduates, the highest intake in a single year. The company will also offer more than 200 industrial placements and summer internships.