BAE Systems: A Graduate Development Case Study

About

The aim of the programme was to develop a pipeline of future talent who are committed, inspired and ready to take on BAE Systems roles. This aligns with the business objective “to inspire and develop our people to drive success”, which is key to achieving their vision to be the premier international defence, aerospace and security company.

Objective

To enable all graduates to realise their potential in BAE Systems and add value to the company by providing them with an engaging development programme aligned to BAES’s global competencies. This included inspiring and equipping graduates to take responsibility for their learning, gain better awareness of themselves and their work and tackle workplace challenges.

Solution

The bespoke programme entails three modules split over 18 months, and uses an eclectic mix of learning methodologies to create powerful individual and team opportunities to learn from new emotions, challenges and situations. Elements include community action learning, live business projects, outdoor journeys, 1:1 coaching and senior stakeholder inputs.

Result

A programme intrinsically linked to organisational competencies, for which results and evaluation is essential. Live business projects set by key stakeholders work on real business challenges. Stakeholders cite the programme as fundamental to establishing a successful career within BAE Systems. The programme numbers have increased every year, as have the statistical results. On an individual level, the 600+ past participants scored the programme 4.3 of a possible 5 when asked whether the programme will hugely benefit them personally. The programme reached finalist status as Personnel Today Awards ‘Graduate Scheme of the Year' 2016 and 2017.