News story

DE&S recruits next generation of apprentices and graduates

DE&S have created 150 apprenticeships and graduate jobs based primarily in Bristol.

A DE&S apprentice. MOD Crown Copyright.

Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) are recruiting their future workforce with the creation of 150 apprenticeships and graduate jobs

With 10 different programmes, including a brand-new Security Graduate Scheme, DE&S are continuing their commitment to developing tomorrow’s talent and building on their previous success, having recruited thousands of apprentices and graduates to date.

The new round of vacancies closed on 17 February 2025, for:

  • Finance Apprenticeship Scheme

  • Project Delivery Apprenticeship (Manchester)

  • Project Delivery Apprenticeship (Portsmouth)

These vacancies are in addition to new apprenticeships and graduate jobs that closed for applications at the end of 2024, but will begin later this year, including:

  • Finance Graduate Scheme

  • Security Graduate Scheme

  • Engineering Graduate Scheme

  • Air Systems and Platform Engineering Graduate Scheme

  • Engineering Advanced Apprenticeship

  • Engineering Degree Apprenticeship

  • Digital Technology Degree Apprenticeship

The newly-introduced Security Graduate Scheme has been designed to support and enable the effective delivery and operational success of the armed forces and wider MOD by protecting people, information and physical assets. This could include shadowing opportunities through rotational placements in cyber, project and corporate security.

Across all schemes, further opportunities can become available at other DE&S locations around the UK as apprentices and graduates progress.

Benjamin Tyrrell, DE&S Chartered Management Degree Apprentice, said:

Being on an apprenticeship scheme enables me to apply knowledge from my university studies into my day-to-day role and bring a unique perspective to the team, which is valued. I find working for DE&S highly rewarding, allowing me to contribute to the collective goal of keeping our nation safe and supporting our armed forces.

DE&S work closely with industry partners to equip and support UK Armed Forces around the globe. Their apprenticeship and graduate schemes help to ensure the security and prosperity of our nation, while building the skills and knowledge of those undertaking placements.

Sidney Vasili, DE&S Project Delivery Graduate, added:

Working as a graduate in DE&S has provided me with a safe and supportive environment to develop my professional skills while learning and studying towards a Project Management Qualification. Completing placements in different areas of the organisation not only allows me to broaden a well-rounded body of knowledge, but also deepens my understanding of the real-world implication this field of work presents. As a civil servant, I have the opportunity to contribute to public service and make a tangible impact on society, giving me a sense of purpose and motivation in my studies.

The DE&S programme of work ranges from jets and warships through to armoured vehicles and field kitchens. DE&S employ more than 11,500 civil servants, military personnel and private contractors across more than 150 locations around the world.

Jo Osburn-Hughes, DE&S People Director and Diversity and Inclusion Co-champion, said:

We in DE&S are proud to offer a wide range of exciting career opportunities and are committed to providing ways to build our leaders in defence for today and the future. We are focused on investing in the growth and development of our people.

Our early careers programmes for our apprentices and graduates are founded on providing real-work experience and full support for continuous learning.

Working for DE&S comes with many benefits, including flexible working, an excellent civil service pension scheme and generous leave entitlements. The vast majority of DE&S apprentices and graduates go on to forge successful careers within the organisation or the wider MOD.

To find out more, visit: Apprenticeships and Graduate Schemes.

Updates to this page

Published 20 January 2025