Early-careers programmes are one of the strongest ways into UK defence, and the major employers are hiring at scale. There are three main entry routes: apprenticeships (including degree apprenticeships), placements and internships, and graduate schemes. BAE Systems alone trained more than 6,800 apprentices and graduates in 2025, and employers including Babcock, Leonardo, MBDA, Thales and QinetiQ run substantial early-careers intakes each year. Most programmes open in the autumn for the following year’s start, so timing your applications matters.
The three routes compared
| Route | Best for | Typical structure |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship / degree apprenticeship | School-leavers and career-changers who want to earn while they learn | Paid employment plus structured training; degree apprenticeships fund a degree alongside work |
| Placement / internship | Undergraduates wanting experience (often a “year in industry”) | Fixed-term paid placement, often a route to a later graduate offer |
| Graduate scheme | University graduates | 1–2 year structured programme with rotations, mentoring and professional development |
Apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships
Apprenticeships have become a flagship route into defence engineering and technology. A degree apprenticeship lets you work for an employer while studying for a degree the employer pays for, you finish with no tuition debt, several years of paid experience, and often a permanent role. Programmes span software, electronics, mechanical and systems engineering, manufacturing, project management and cyber.
Pay reflects that you’re a salaried employee in training: a defence software degree apprenticeship advertised for a 2026 start, for example, offered around £24,000 per annum with day-release study. Apprentice pay rises through the programme and on completion.
The major primes have expanded these schemes significantly. Babcock’s work at its Rosyth shipyard tied to the Type 31 frigate programme created hundreds of apprenticeships within a larger early-careers expansion, and BAE Systems has more than doubled its early-careers intake over recent years, opening dedicated training facilities such as a shipbuilding academy in Glasgow.
Graduate schemes
Graduate schemes typically run for one to two years, with rotations across business areas, structured mentoring, and support towards professional accreditation (such as chartership for engineers). They recruit across STEM disciplines and increasingly into software, data, cyber and project management as well as core engineering. Leonardo, MBDA, Babcock, Thales and BAE Systems all run established graduate programmes, most opening for applications in the autumn for an autumn start the following year.
Who runs early-careers programmes
The main employers to watch include BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo, MBDA (a joint venture of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo), Thales UK, QinetiQ, Rolls-Royce and BMT, alongside the intelligence agencies. STEM careers aggregators such as Gradcracker list many of these programmes in one place, which is a useful way to track opening dates and follow employers for alerts.
How clearance fits early careers
Many early-careers roles start at BPSS level, with SC sponsored later if the role requires it. You don’t need clearance to apply: the employer sponsors it. Some roles, particularly those touching the most sensitive programmes or export-controlled material, carry nationality requirements, so check each advert. For the full picture see Do you need security clearance to work in defence?.
When and how to apply
- Plan around the autumn cycle. Most graduate and apprenticeship intakes open in the autumn for the following year; popular schemes close early once filled.
- Apply early and to several employers. Competition is strong, and early-careers selection often runs on a rolling basis.
- Prepare for structured selection. Expect online tests, video or strengths-based interviews, and assessment centres: practise these formats.
- Follow employers for alerts. Programmes that aren’t yet open will list their expected opening window; set reminders so you don’t miss them.
Where to go next
- How to get a job in the UK defence industry
- Defence sector salary guide UK 2026
- UK security clearance levels explained
- Browse graduate and entry-level defence roles
Sources: employer early-careers announcements and STEM recruitment listings current to 2025–2026 (including BAE Systems, Babcock, Leonardo, MBDA, Thales and Gradcracker). Programme details, pay and opening dates change each cycle; confirm with the employer.