BAE Systems is hunting for future leaders, hiring 2,700 apprenticeship and graduate roles, with 1,552 available in the North West.

The defence giant, with a site in Barrow, is seeking apprentices, undergraduates, and graduates to fill roles across its air, digital intelligence, head office, land UK, shared services and submarines sectors.

This move could see applicants based in one of several locations - including Barrow.

BAE Systems invested approximately £180m in UK education, skills and early careers activities last year.

It also opened two new multi-million pound training academies and has another one on the horizon.

READ MORE: BAE apprentices reveal what it is like to work for biggest employer in Barrow

BAE Systems' apprenticeships are not exclusively for school or college leavers.

In fact, almost 20 per cent of their apprentices are over-25, providing opportunities for people wishing to retrain and secure long-term career prospects.

Richard Hamer, director for education and skills, BAE Systems, said: "National Apprenticeship Week is vital for companies such as ours with more than one thousand vacancies to raise awareness for the exciting opportunities on offer up and down the country.

"Whether you’re just starting out in your career journey or are thinking about a career switch, apprenticeships are a fantastic way to learn new skills and contribute in a meaningful way.

“It’s also a brilliant opportunity to recognise those apprentices up and down the country that are already on their career journey with us, developing their skillsets and helping to develop the technology that helps defend our national security, they are the backbone of our future workforce and as a company we’re proud of the work they do.”

READ MORE: New BAE careers hub launches in Barrow town centre

Cliona, who works within BAE Systems' submarine sector, shared her experience.

She said: "I applied to the Degree apprenticeship scheme while in my final year of A-levels - my interest in nuclear technology started when I was completing my Extended Project Qualification.

"The best part of the job is the varied work, no two days are the same and the workload is constantly adapting to the current build needs - I also really enjoy seeing the submarines progress through different build stages."

Applicants have until February 28 to apply for apprenticeship programmes, while graduate intakes occur throughout the year, including April, June and September.