Astute Training Centre.

Pre-joining

Buddying

When you accept your offer at BAE Systems, a 'buddy’ will be assigned to you. This will be someone on the second year of their FLDP scheme, who will help you to find your way around and settle into your new environment.

Site visit

A chance for you to visit the location of your first FLDP placement.  You will be introduced to your team, and familiarised with the Business Group.

Start of development milestones

Induction

A week-long residential induction prior to you starting your first placement.  The induction provides an overview of BAE Systems and the FLDP, gives an introduction to Finance, and enables you to get to know your fellow FLDP year group, the wider FLDP community and key Finance personnel.

Placements

Over the five-year programme you will have three 12-month placements, followed by a 24-month placement in different BAE Systems Business Groups.

CIMA Qualification

Your technical training in the first three years will be focused on attaining the CIMA qualification.  As a ‘CIMA Training Quality Partner’, we will give you the highest level of support through your CIMA training.

Graduate Development Programme

The Graduate Development Programme (GDP) complements role specific on the job training and supports your first few years with the Company. This takes you out of your normal business environment to attend three interactive residential modules. These modules are based on BAE Systems' values and include teamwork, building successful working partnerships and innovation and creativity. Not only do these modules add to your skill set, they are an excellent opportunity to network with other graduates across the business and learn more about the company.

Corporate mentoring

You will be allocated a corporate mentor – typically one of the company’s most senior managers who will act as a ‘sounding board’ during the early stages of your career. This relationship is designed to give you the opportunity to engage in open discussion, objective feedback and guidance regarding your future within BAE Systems.

Graduate Conference

This annual event is one all graduates attend once. Run by graduates, it attracts senior managers from BAE Systems and outside speakers, and there are team activities covering a wide spectrum of business-related topics. There is also a formal evening event, which is always memorable. The conference offers a great chance to network with people throughout the business, and is fully supported by the company as we see it as a crucial part of graduates’ learning process.

Continual support

FLDP Workshops

The main FLDP workshop is held each year in February.  The workshop lasts for two days and is a chance for the whole FLDP community to get together for a mixture of workshop activity and topical guest speakers.  Additionally, each year group has the opportunity to get together in July to explore any specific training needs through a year group development activity.  All the workshops are organised by FLDPers with the support of the FLDP management team and the Finance Development Forum.

Online Learning

You will be able to access over 500 personal and professional development courses from your work computer, via our Virtual University or local learning resources centres. These include everything from language courses to e-learning packages covering a range of subjects.

FLDP website and forum

The FLDP website and forum are important tools for the FLDP community.  The website allows for speedy communication of the latest programme updates, while the forum enables FLDPers to stay in touch and share knowledge and experience. Both the website and the forum are especially important in acting as a support mechanism for FLDPers.

4/5th Year Programme

Once CIMA-qualified and at the end of your third year on the FLDP, your next challenge will be to take a step up in role responsibility through a stretching two-year senior placement.  While your technical training will continue through the Financial Management of Contracts course and Development Centres, your management skills will be developed through a two part residential 'management toolkit' training course, and we will look to develop your leadership potential.

By the time you have completed your five years on FLDP, you should be well on the way to becoming a senior Finance Leader in BAE Systems.  We recognise your achievements by celebrating your graduation with an event attended by Senior Finance Leaders and fellow fifth years.