As thousands of students receive their GCSE grades today, BAE Systems’ education director, Richard Hamer (right), believes many will consider practical forms of work and learning instead of academic study.

According to Hamer, the competitive future of the UK depends on giving young people plenty of opportunities such as apprenticeships to develop the high-level skills both they, and UK plc, need.

“BAE Systems is committed to supporting the development of engineering and manufacturing skills and to helping young people engage in STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] subjects.

“Each year we recruit more than 250 apprentices onto our programme and, for 2012, we are currently looking to take on just under 300 across our different businesses. There are currently around 1,000 in training with BAE Systems in the UK.

“BAE Systems apprenticeship programmes are also complemented by graduate development programmes. The company is recruiting around 150 graduates this September to help meet future skills capability requirements.”

To apply for apprenticeships at BAE Systems, visit www.baesystems.com/careers.