Investing in future talent and building careers: Graduate & industrial placements and apprenticeship vacancies
With more than 100 years of experience in aerospaceence and space technology, Safran Electronics & Defense designs and manufactures advanced systems for customers around the world. Behind this work are people with a wide range of skills and expertise.
Across its Actuation Systems UK operations, developing new talent is an important part of ensuring the business has the skills it needs for the future.
Operating across Wolverhampton and Banbury, the business employs more than 1,600 colleagues across engineering, manufacturing and a range of business functions.
For those starting their careers, this provides an opportunity to gain experience within a global organisation, working across different disciplines and supporting programmes for customers in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Opportunities across the business
With more than 100 people currently participating in its Early Careers programmes, Safran offers a range of opportunities for graduates and apprentices.
Graduate schemes span a range of disciplines, including engineering, project management, manufacturing engineering and supply chain. Apprenticeship opportunities are equally varied, with pathways including electro-mechanical engineering, project management, finance and electrician roles, alongside opportunities across other areas of the business.
Combining practical experience with structured learning, the programmes allow individuals to gain industry knowledge, develop professional skills and work alongside experienced colleagues. With opportunities across both technical and business functions, there are different routes available depending on individual interests and career ambitions.
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Supporting people from day one
Starting a new role can be a big step, particularly for those at the beginning of their careers. To support this transition, all Early Careers colleagues take part in a dedicated onboarding programme, designed to give them the information and confidence they need from day one.
Each individual is also supported through a buddy system, providing a colleague they can turn to for advice and guidance as they settle into the business.
Managers also receive mentoring training to help them support the development of apprentices and graduates, ensuring they have the guidance they need throughout their programmes.
We want our Early Careers colleagues to feel supported, valued and able to make the most of the opportunities available to them. Whether someone joins us through an apprenticeship or graduate scheme, we want to give them the right foundations to develop their skills, gain experience and build a career with us. It's equally important that our managers feel equipped to support them throughout that journey.
Developing people for the long term
For Safran, supporting Early Careers colleagues is about more than helping them complete their qualifications. The aim is to give people the experience, support and opportunities to continue developing within the business.
Over the last three years, Early Careers retention has reached 90%, reflecting the business's focus on providing an environment where people can progress and establish long-term careers.
Achievements are also celebrated through an annual Graduation Ball, bringing colleagues together to recognise those completing their programmes and mark an important milestone in their careers.
Supporting the next generation
As a sponsor of the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards, Safran Electronics & Defense is proud to support the recognition of apprentices, employers and the contribution they make to businesses.
Through its graduate and apprenticeship programmes, the business continues to provide opportunities for people to develop their skills and gain experience across a range of disciplines, helping to develop future skills.
Recruiting now
Actuation Systems UK is currently recruiting for graduate and industrial placement opportunities, with apprenticeship vacancies opening in December 2026. To find out more, visit their careers website.
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