Future Apprentice of the Year Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent

Could you be the Future Apprentice of the Year Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent?

We’re searching schools, colleges, and sixth forms across the UK to find the next Future Apprentice of the Year Celebrating Neurodiverse Talent.

In partnership with BAE Systems, this award recognises ambitious, creative students who think differently and make things happen. It’s all about showcasing the ideas, innovation, and determination that neurodiverse young people bring to the future of work.

If you identify as neurodiverse and are inspired by BAE’s commitment to inclusion and innovation, this is your moment to shine.

To enter, you need to:

Identify as Neurodiverse
Be a UK resident
Have a minimum of 5 GCSE's at grade 9-4 (or equivalent), including Maths & English

Apply

PRIZES

What could you win?

You could win an experience day at one of BAE Systems' offices around the UK! With your choice of chaperone, you'll have the opportunity to have breakfast with a senior leader, hear more about the work BAE do to support their apprentices, alongside a tour of the site to understand the work done at BAE.

WHAT IT TAKES

What makes an award winner?

The winner of the Future Apprentice Celebrating Diverse Talent must demonstrate:

A passion for BAE Systems and the work they do
Have an interest in the STEM sector
Be brave and innovative

FROM OUR PARTNER

BAE Systems and the Engineering Undergraduate of the Year

Who are BAE Systems?

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 people in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

It’s a culture that values diversity, rewards integrity and merit, and is a place where everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential, no matter what their background. We’re committed to nurturing talent and striving for excellence; empowering our people to drive innovation, make the right decisions and solve complex challenges.

With a huge range of opportunities, you’ll be given the responsibility to make a real impact, from day one. It’s a career you can be proud of, in a team that’s shaping a safer tomorrow.

Click here to find out more about our early careers opportunities.

GOING ALL THE WAY

How do I win?

Start your journey

Extended Deadline:

January

2026

Online tests

Deadline:

January

2026

Submit by

5 January

2026

Complete and submit your application by 9 am on 5th January 2026.

If you are shortlisted for the next stage, you'll hear from us by 16th January 2026.

Assessment

If your application makes it through the first stage, it'll be reviewed by BAE Systems.

Celebrate your success

The final shortlist of ten students will be invited to the awards ceremony on 27th February 2026, where the winners will be revealed.

All finalists will be invited to bring along a parent to celebrate the big moment.

Apply Review application