Reflecting the persistent climate of cyber-attacks on businesses and national infrastructure, BAE Systems has announced it is to recruit 80 graduates into its cyber security business next year.
According to BAE Systems, the 80 cyber security graduates represents almost a third of the 235 graduates being recruited to work across the company’s UK operation in 2017.
The cyber security graduates will reportedly join the Applied Intelligence business based at sites in London, Guildford and Leeds, whose employees support governments and businesses around the world defend themselves against the growing threat of digital crime, cyber-attacks, fraud and financial crime.
Breakdown of the 235 BAE Systems graduate vacancies:
- Applied Intelligence: 80
- Military Air and Information: 54
- Submarines: 36
- Maritime Naval Ships: 21
- Maritime Services: 20
- Head Office: 11
- Electronic Systems: 9
- Land: 4
The announcement follows an online survey conducted by BAE Systems which found that 57% of business heads surveyed said they had experienced a cyber-attack in the past year, despite believing the appropriate security controls were in place.
BAE Systems’ continued recruitment of the best IT, engineering and business graduates helps to sustain its pipeline of 33,000 talented employees in the UK who deliver a range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security and information technology solutions and support services.
Minister for the Cabinet Office, which oversees the Government’s cyber security strategy, Rt Hon. Ben Gummer MP commented: “Cyber-attacks are a reality and they are happening every day. The first duty of the government is to keep the nation safe.
“Any modern state cannot remain secure and prosperous without securing itself in cyberspace. So it is hugely encouraging to see such a drive on securing the skills and talent we will need to continue this fight in the future.”
Group managing director, Programmes and Support at BAE Systems, Nigel Whitehead explained: “A healthy pipeline of science, technology, engineering and maths talent is absolutely vital to the future success of our businesses.
“Each year BAE Systems invests around £90m in a broad programme of education and skills initiatives, from world class employee training programmes to a nationwide schools roadshow run in partnership with the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy.
“All the graduates joining BAE Systems in 2017 will have unrivalled opportunities ahead of them, playing a crucial part in developing, building and supporting the cutting-edge products that will help safeguard national security for years to come.”
