<p>The aerospace manufacturing industry worldwide is cutting tens of thousands of jobs as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic hits demand for aircraft, and many young people hoping to embark on a career in the industry face an uncertain future.</p>
<p><img alt="BAE" src="/getasset/cb479c47-45e4-4432-b2be-abdc6f511d23/" /></p>
<p><em>Apprentices could end up helping to design technologies for the Tempest combat aircraft development. </em></p>
<p>However, one company is sticking to plans to recruit 800 apprentices. BAE Systems says 9,000 people in the UK applied for 800 advertised roles earlier this year, and the company is conducting virtual interviews to whittle down a shortlist of almost 2,000.</p>
<p>Chief executive Charles Woodburn called creating jobs for young people a “national priority”, adding: “The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security.”</p>
<p>Most of the 800 apprentices will join BAE from September to January and could find themselves working on projects such as developing future combat air technologies for the Tempest programme in Warton, Lancashire or supporting the UK armed forces at RAF Coningsby or Portsmouth naval base.</p>
<p>During lockdown BAE has been supporting more than 1,500 existing apprentices through a “virtual learning environment” which ensures they can complete training and “transition to their first permanent roles within the company”.</p>
<p>In addition to the apprentices, BAE plans to recruit 250 graduates between September and June next year.</p>
<p>Although the Covid-19 crisis has affected the entire industry, firms specialising in defence, where programmes tend to be longer-term and funded by the taxpayer, have been less badly hit than those in the civil sector, where lockdowns and a deepening recession have directly impacted the order book for airliners and private jets.</p>
<p><img alt="BAE" src="/getasset/cb479c47-45e4-4432-b2be-abdc6f511d23/" /></p>
<p><em>Apprentices could end up helping to design technologies for the Tempest combat aircraft development. </em></p>
<p>However, one company is sticking to plans to recruit 800 apprentices. BAE Systems says 9,000 people in the UK applied for 800 advertised roles earlier this year, and the company is conducting virtual interviews to whittle down a shortlist of almost 2,000.</p>
<p>Chief executive Charles Woodburn called creating jobs for young people a “national priority”, adding: “The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security.”</p>
<p>Most of the 800 apprentices will join BAE from September to January and could find themselves working on projects such as developing future combat air technologies for the Tempest programme in Warton, Lancashire or supporting the UK armed forces at RAF Coningsby or Portsmouth naval base.</p>
<p>During lockdown BAE has been supporting more than 1,500 existing apprentices through a “virtual learning environment” which ensures they can complete training and “transition to their first permanent roles within the company”.</p>
<p>In addition to the apprentices, BAE plans to recruit 250 graduates between September and June next year.</p>
<p>Although the Covid-19 crisis has affected the entire industry, firms specialising in defence, where programmes tend to be longer-term and funded by the taxpayer, have been less badly hit than those in the civil sector, where lockdowns and a deepening recession have directly impacted the order book for airliners and private jets.</p>