More than 140 university students from across the country are being given a unique insight into working life at BAE Systems, as part of the company’s 12-week summer internship program.
At Portsmouth Naval Base and Cowes on the Isle of Wight, 11 interns are currently working across a number of disciplines from HR and finance, through to engineering and supply chain.
Now in its third year, this growing program gives students the opportunity to learn from employees who are experts in their fields and gain insights that can only come from real world experience.
Over a 12-week period, interns are paid £4,200, as well as receiving an externally recognized certificate from EAL (Excellence, Achievement & Learning), the industry specialist awarding organization.
Rezaul Nuru, a 20-year-old studying for a Master’s in electronic and electrical engineering at University College London (UCL) is on a placement in Portsmouth. He said, “This is my second summer internship with BAE Systems. Last year I worked on the Queen Elizabeth Class floor plate and I loved it so much I applied again this year. I was lucky enough to be offered work in a different area of the business this summer, and this is helping me develop the skills I’ve learnt throughout my degree in a real working environment.”
Alex Reuben, a 21-year-old studying psychology at Exeter University is on a placement with the human resources team in Portsmouth Naval Base. She said, “My internship with BAE Systems has been both exciting and challenging. I’ve loved working in an environment where my input is valued and I feel fully supported by the company. I have even had the opportunity to develop a training program for line managers. The work I have been doing has helped me really understand the value HR adds to the business. I’m really enjoying it.”
BAE Systems said it invests around £80 million in skills and training activity each year. It runs a number of initiatives each year to highlight the importance of STEM subjects to young people. This includes the company’s annual Schools Roadshow in association with the Royal Air Force – which in 2015 will visit more than 350 schools and STEM events in the UK, engaging a total of over 35,000 young people with an inspiring, interactive STEM presentation.
Amanda Nelson, HR Director at BAE Systems Maritime Services, said, “Ensuring we have a strong pipeline of future talent from a wide variety of backgrounds is vital to our business. The summer internship program gives us a fantastic opportunity to showcase the exciting work we do here at BAE Systems. This year we are recruiting a record-breaking 300 graduates and 800 apprentices. It is our hope that interns will be inspired to join us after their first-hand experience of the incredible work undertaken at Maritime Services.”
The application process for opportunities in 2016 including summer internships and 12 months industrial placements will open October 1, 2015.
