BAE Systems Case Study

Supporting the community through a new apprenticeship programme

How EMCOR UK's Apprenticeships Drive Growth for Our Defence Customer

Our customer BAE Systems in Barrow-in-Furness runs a very successful apprenticeship programme. 

The Challenge

Whilst there was a record number of applications, this inevitably resulted in some candidates being unsuccessful. Recognising the need to offer alternative opportunities for those unsuccessful candidates, EMCOR UK worked alongside BAE Systems to develop and highlight a range of exciting apprenticeships with EMCOR UK. This is particularly important in Barrow, which has a higher-than-average proportion of economically inactive residents and low levels of educational attainment. 

Our Solution: A Two-Week Intensive Employability Program

  • Working with our partner, Inspira, we quickly designed and delivered a two-week intensive employability and recruitment programme. 
  • Inspira handled the outreach, working with Barrow's Job Centre Plus and several individuals were shortlisted for our programme.

The programme's first day, held at The Bridge, was an "Employability Day." The Bridge is a new community engagement space, opened by BAE Systems, which aims to increase footfall to the town centre and connect the community with the breadth of career opportunities available in the Furness area.

We welcomed the young people into a supportive session focused on understanding the diverse roles within the facilities management sector and gaining insight into EMCOR UK's values and workplace culture. We also gave them a deep dive into the specific apprenticeship opportunities available with us as a service provider for BAE Systems Submarines, highlighting the importance of attitude, reliability, and teamwork.

Between the first and second days, Inspira provided ongoing, one-on-one support. This included CV writing, interview coaching, and confidence-building exercises to prepare them for the next stage. The programme culminated in a "Meet the Employer" day, where candidates had structured interviews with our hiring managers, allowing them to demonstrate their new skills and readiness for a career.

The Results & Lasting Impact

Working collaboratively with BAE Systems, four young people were offered roles with EMCOR UK. Three of these were apprenticeships in Project Management, Business Administration, and Health and Safety. The fourth was a full-time Project Engineer role.

Beyond the immediate employment outcomes, we now have plans to support future cohorts from Barrow and the wider Cumbria area through mentoring, coaching, and school-based engagement. This effort directly contributes to EMCOR UK's succession planning and workforce, aligning with central government investment in the BAE Systems estate. By working together, we are helping to improve employment prospects for local individuals and reinforcing our commitment to making a positive social impact in one of England's most deprived communities.

 

  • We are proud to be part of this collaborative response to tackling social mobility. I have thoroughly enjoyed forming new partnerships and seeing the candidates grasp the opportunities. These are more than apprenticeships, these are new beginnings.

    Roy Ramrutton, Head of Social Value, EMCOR UK

  • As the major employer in the area, we recognise our responsibility to support the local community and a key element of this is diversification of the local economy. When EMCOR UK approached us to discuss about how we might work together to support the community, the opportunity to provide additional apprenticeships beyond those provided by our business, was a top priority. EMCOR UK quickly developed a plan with Inspira and the DWP and the results have surpassed our expectations and will provide a blueprint for our other suppliers and partners.

    Janet Garner – Future Workforce Director, BAE Systems

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