BAE Systems is the premier global defence and aerospace company delivering a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, information technology solutions and customer support services. With 97,500 employees worldwide, BAE Systems' sales exceeded £15.7 billion (US$ $31.4 billion) in 2007.
The company is one of the the largest employer of engineering apprentices in the UK, with more than 1,000 apprentices in training. Apprentices train in a wide range of skills, from engineering, steelwork and joinery to business administration and information technology. In 2007 the programme had a 82% completion and retention rate. As a member of the Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network, Mike Turner, BAE Systems’ Chief Executive, is leading a working group reviewing completion rates in the manufacturing and engineering sectors.