TWO Glasgow apprentices have benefited from a nationwide recruitment programme for defence giant BAE Systems despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ellis Little and Ian Nicholson have been working at the Scotstoun base since February and have taken up two of the 800 apprenticeship roles available across the country in which more than 9000 people applied for.

Ellis is a first-year project management apprentice, working in the naval ships business based in Scotstoun.

Her current rotation sees her working in project planning for the Hunter Class frigate programme for the Royal Australian Navy. Her responsibilities include completing scheduled health checks of the project, planning reports and generally helping to keeping the programme on track.

One of the things Ellis enjoys most about her apprenticeship programme is that no two days ever feel the same and she is regularly presented with new opportunities and challenges. Through her work on the Hunter Class programme, she has been able to work with colleagues in both the UK and Australia and feels that this knowledge transfer has been invaluable to her professional development.

Charles Woodburn, chief executive, BAE Systems, said: “Getting people back to work and creating new jobs, especially for younger people, is a national priority and we’re pleased to play our part in supporting the UK’s economic recovery.

“The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security. We’ve worked hard to adapt our application and training processes to allow education to continue, whilst protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and new recruits.”

Ian is a fourth-year combat systems higher apprentice at BAE Systems, in the Naval Ships business unit based in Scotstoun. Most recently he worked on the Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) project, building ships for the Royal Navy. His roles and responsibilities included installation inspections, contacting suppliers and carrying out spot buys for essential items, liaising with customers and reviewing regular reports.

Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, Ian has been able to focus on completing his SVQ, the final assessment task of his apprenticeship, from home. Following completion of his apprenticeship, Ian will soon embark on the next stage of his career within BAE Systems.

Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of State for Education, said: “It is brilliant to see BAE Systems’ continued support for apprenticeships, recognising the hard work, skills and value that apprentices bring to a world-leading British company.

“BAE Systems’ recruitment of 800 apprentices is yet more evidence that apprenticeships are an excellent choice for young people and shows that they are an excellent route into a wide range of high-quality and exciting careers. I am certain that apprenticeships will play a vital role in our economic recovery from coronavirus.

“I’d like to wish all of those who applied the best of luck and to thank BAE Systems for their ongoing commitment to invest in their next generation of highly skilled staff.”