The latest batch of new-start graduates are enjoying their introduction to life at BAE Systems Submarines.

Thirteen recruits are immersing themselves into all things BAE Systems during their induction at the Submarines Academy for Skills and Knowledge (SASK).

Fiona McIntosh is one of three returnees among the new-starters as the University of Strathclyde chemical process engineering graduate benefited from a summer internship in Barrow last year.

Fiona says a major reason she applied to be a product safety engineer at BAE Systems was because of the company’s track record in that field.

“I did a safety module in the second year of university and I found it really interesting,” said Fiona.

“I looked at companies with a strong reputation for safety and BAE Systems popped up several times.”

She added: “It was good coming here on a summer internship because it allowed me to do some of the things I learned in my degree in a practical sense.”

Manufacturing engineer Sam Chung says he was drawn to the business by the prospect of working on such an interesting and complex product as a nuclear submarine.

The 25-year-old from Cardiff graduated in mechanical engineering from the University of Bath after earlier undergoing an apprenticeship in engineering straight from school.

“I was looking for a new challenge and I looked at BAE Systems being involved in such a complex product,” said Sam.

“It’s great to be involved. Everyone is really friendly, the place is amazing and I’m really enjoying it.”

Project management recruit Jack Grace says the size of the company and the diversity of roles on offer was a big attraction.

“It’s an interesting company with lots of exciting projects going on and there are lots of different roles you can move into,” said the 24-year-old from Kent.

Jack, who graduated with a Masters in chemistry from the University of Nottingham, has a family connection with BAE Systems, dad Mike having worked as an electrical engineer in BAE Systems’ Air sector.

“It’s been great so far,” he added. “The way the Company has handled the Covid-19 situation has been pretty impressive and the scale of the site is also impressive.”

Graduate and Higher Apprentices Manager Helen Wharton and Early Careers Project Leader Jo Hoyland have been overseeing the new-starts’ induction programme.

They explained how they have had to adopt a blended approach this year because of restrictions placed upon them by the pandemic.

“The agenda has been adapted because of Covid-19 so we can keep in line with social distancing guidelines,” said Jo.

“The induction is being delivered across two weeks and two days rather than three weeks and will see the graduates working three days on site and two days from home.”

BAE Systems are taking on 250 graduates in the year to June 2021.

Applications now being accepted.