Direction jobs in United Kingdom

As a sheet metal worker apprentice, you will develop a range of different engineering skills and underpinning knowledge to successfully complete this apprenticeship. Throughout your apprenticeship you will gain valuable experience working on real-world products which will culminate in you completing your end point assessment.

What’s in it for you?

Advanced apprenticeships are a great way to make your future fit your ambitions as you develop specialist skills. At the end of the apprenticeship, which are in engineering, technology and business roles, you’ll have valuable qualifications equivalent to A Levels.

• Supportive, friendly, inclusive culture - a workplace where you can be your authentic self
• Industry-recognised qualifications - all the way to A Levels.
• Job security - a thriving sector with endless career growth opportunities
• Make a difference – where your contribution will make a positive impact - with our clients, colleagues, and communities
• Great salary, rewards and benefits - generous time off, discounts, green car and cycle to work schemes, share schemes and pension

Entry requirements

England and Wales:

• Age 16+
• 5 GCSE A*-C or 9-4 (or equivalent) Including Maths and English, as well as a science or technical subject for engineering or technical roles. Specific requirements may vary depending on the role.

Scotland:

• Age 16+
• 5 Nation 4s (or equivalent) – which must include Maths (excluding Application of Maths), English, and a Science/technical subject

• 4 National 5s grade C or above (or equivalent) Maths, English, Science and technical (excluding Applications of Maths) AND 3 Highers at grade C or above in English, Maths and Science or technical subject (excluding Application of Maths)

Some roles may also require additional qualifications or UCAS points.

Why a BAE Systems apprenticeship?

When you join a BAE Systems apprenticeship, you’ll be joining a workforce of over 110,000 people in around 40 countries – it’s a place where difference is celebrated, ideas are shared and ambitions are fulfilled. You’ll launch, and grow your career in an inclusive and diverse culture that inspires us all to be our best, and make a real difference - protecting those who protect us.

Around 94% of apprentices choose to stay on with us after completing their apprenticeship. And, being a global business, there’s a world of opportunities here for you to explore.

We’re ranked as an “Outstanding” provider by Ofsted, and 2nd in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers.

And, being a global business, there’s a world of opportunities here for you to explore.

Export Control/Security

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.

Start Date: August/September 2026

Location Barrow-in-Furness Glasgow Portsmouth

The stages of our application process include: a short online application. If you’re successful, you\'ll then complete an online assessment with interactive activities, and an on-demand video interview. The next stage is competency-based interview, either virtual or face-to-face.

Click Apply to start your application now. This job will be available on Prospects until 28 February 2026

Don\'t forget to mention Prospects to employers when you contact them.

Start something extraordinary. Find your purpose.

From the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space, earn and learn whilst you pioneer how we protect our future.

At BAE Systems, we create advanced technology that helps protect people and national security across air, land, sea and cyber. As an apprentice, you’ll play a meaningful role in shaping a safer, more secure future for generations to come.

Whether your passion lies in engineering, manufacturing, technology or business and whatever your experience, you’ll be supported alongside the brightest minds through training, experienced mentors and inclusive networks that help you to thrive. With a workforce of around 110,000 people in more than 40 countries, there’s no limit to where a career at BAE Systems could take you.

We believe diversity of thought fuels innovation. That’s why your background, ideas and unique perspective will be valued, and your hard work recognised. You’ll be part of a collaborative, supportive team where you’ll be empowered to pioneer, solve and grow. Working together towards a shared purpose - protecting those who protect us.

You can explore limitless opportunities across disciplines and geographies, earning while you learn and gaining industry recognised qualifications along the way. With long-term career prospects and work that truly makes an impact, you’ll find the security and freedom to shape a career that’s uniquely yours.

Whether you’re taking your first step into the working world or switching up your career; with operations in more than 40 countries and apprenticeships that span 4 levels (Intermediate, Advanced, Higher and Degree) you’ll be able to find a role that suits you, collaborating and learning from people with diverse skills, ways of thinking and backgrounds.

• ~ growing network of around 110,000 colleagues in more than 40 countries
• Ranked an Outstanding provided by Ofsted and rated Excellent by SDS Scotland
• #2 in the Department for Education’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers, 2025
• #9 in The Times Top 100 UK Apprenticeship Employers, 2025

Market-leading benefits: you\'ll earn a competitive salary recieve generous annual leave and time for your studies , as well as access to our product and service discounts, share scheme and workplace pension and flexible benefits to maintain that all-important lifestyle balance.

Inclusion: An inclusive team is a creative and innovative team. We want everyone to feel valued and empowered to thrive. Who you are should never define what you can do.

Career opportunities: Around 94% of apprentices choose to stay on with us. And, being a global business, there’s a world of opportunities here – whether you stay in the UK or explore an overseas role doing something that really makes a difference.

Experience and qualifications: you'll get real-life experience working on rewarding projects and we'll support you by funding the fees for your academic and vocational qualifications.

Our apprenticeship opportunities span four different levels, so whether you’re starting your career or changing direction – we’ll have a role for you.

Intermediate (Level 2): This is our entry-level apprenticeship, perfect for school and college leavers or career changers. Become a technical expert learning a specialist skill, such as joinery or painting, through a blend of hands-on training and classroom learning.

Advanced (Level 3): Advanced apprenticeships are a great way to make your future fit your ambitions as you develop specialist skills. At the end of the apprenticeship in either in engineering, technology and business, you’ll have valuable qualifications equivalent to A Levels.

Higher (Level 4 and 5): Not sure if university is for you? Higher apprenticeships are a great alternative, giving you the chance to forge a career where you really belong in engineering, business, or finance. The qualifications you can achieve are equivalent to a Higher National Diploma or Foundation Degree.

Degree (Level 6): If you want to achieve a degree level qualification while you earn then degree apprenticeships are great for those starting or building their career. Create a future that fits you, especially if you can’t decide between an apprenticeship and university or if you’re looking to make a career change. They take 4-5 years to complete.

Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks. Click here for more information on national security vetting levels.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.

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