BAE Systems recognises that no two people are alike and aim to offer a range of career paths that appeal to a broad range of individuals; ’GDF’ is the main programme, ’FLDP’ for those looking for a finance leadership career and ’SIGMA’ for fast-track international leadership. All of our programmes offer on-the-job training and development with external opportunities where appropriate.

GDF

The GDF provides a common structure designed to support your transition into our business and your initial development. This lasts two years and begins with an induction to the graduate programme, after which you can expect a valuable mix of on-the-job training and external learning designed to build technical knowledge and skills tailored to your individual needs.

During this two-year period, your line manager will work with you to develop and track an ongoing plan for your personal development. There may be opportunities for secondments to different sites and projects to give you greater exposure in line with your development objectives. Where possible, we will also give you the necessary resources and support to achieve relevant professional qualifications.

Make no mistake, though, while we will provide the opportunities, it is up to you to make the most of them. We will expect you to show commitment, to learn quickly and to deliver in real roles. Through regular performance and development reviews, we will help you to keep on track and achieve your goals.

FLDP

The Finance Leader Development Programme ( FLDP) is a unique five-year graduate entry scheme, which is designed for high-calibre graduates with the ambition and motivation to become one of the function’s Directors of the future.

The programme combines a structured and fully supported route to the highly respected Chartered Institute of Management Accountants ( CIMA) qualification. However, the FLDP offers a broader commitment to learning and development that will equip you with a wide range of skills and competencies, and ensure you expand your capabilities to the full.

It’s this emphasis we place on developing our graduates beyond CIMA qualification that has made the programme so highly regarded both within the profession and internally at BAE Systems – the FLDP is championed by finance directors and board members throughout the business.

The programme will give you all the tools you need to perform at your best, along with regular performance appraisals and development planning to keep you on track. But be in no doubt that it will demand total dedication and determination on your part.

Sigma Leadership Programme

No other graduate scheme can be talked about in the same breath as BAE Systems’ Sigma programme. Not when you consider the qualities and potential it looks for in its graduates. Not when you look at the demands it makes on those who do get through its rigorous selection process. And certainly not when you see the exceptional rewards and prospects that await those who can last the pace of an intensive and extensive learning experience.

Sigma is not for everyone – just a small number of high-calibre graduates who have what it takes to become the leaders in our global business. This can be achieved via two routes: our engineering framework, which uniquely supports you to remain an engineer as you move into a leadership role; and our business framework, which is tailored specifically to our business functions.

Sponsored directly at board level, the scheme represents a major long-term investment, both by us in terms of your development, and by you in terms of the time and effort you will need to put in. You will need the drive and energy to create opportunities and question the accepted – but if you rise to the challenge, the opportunities are unrivalled.