RECRUITMENT for apprenticeships at BAE has risen by nearly 15 per cent year-on-year.

Air trainees will be based at either the engineering giant’s bases at Samlesbury or Warton.

Other new arrivals will be located within the company’s land, cyber and maritime’s divisions.

Last year nearly 700 joined their ranks and this time around there will be more than 800 added to the workforce.

Like previous intakes, the bulk of those numbers will be heading towards the air and maritime sections.

Charles Woodburn, BAE’s chief executive, said: “Our apprentices are the lifeblood of our business.

“I’m incredibly proud of the significant contribution they make to the design and delivery of our most complex products, equipment and services, helping to ensure BAE Systems remains at the forefront of technology and innovation and safeguard our national security for decades to come.

“As technology and our workplace evolves, it’s critical that we continue to invest in training the next generation of engineers and leaders.

“By working alongside industry peers, government and the education sector, we can ensure we are ready to respond to complex challenges of the future.”

Earlier this year the application process opened at their new £20million Academy for Skills and Knowledge at Samlesbury.

In previous years there has been 25 applications for any place at the training centre, which boasts industry-standard 3D printers, CMC machines and robot cell manufacturing.

One previous engineering degree apprentice, Khadijah Ismail, said: “There are many benefits, from gaining years of credible, on-the-job engineering experience, to some that are more personal.

“For example, helping me to more confidently offer my views in the workplace. Most significantly, my apprenticeship has allowed me to work alongside and learn from senior engineers and leaders from across our business.”

The recruitment window will be open until February 28 and details are available on the BAE website.