BAE Systems is committed to becoming an industry leader in terms of diversity and inclusion. Addressing gender balance, promoting diversity and creating more flexible work options is a key focus, as is ensuring that every employee feels valued and respected.
Addressing gender balance makes business sense.
Women make up more than 45% of the Australian working population, however, in 2020, women account for only 22% of BAE Systems Australia’s workforce. Whilst this ratio is reflective of the historic nature of the industry, the company is aiming to improve gender diversity and offer female employees greater networking and development opportunities. Opportunities are broad and include but are not limited to the implementation of a flexible working policy, Lean In Circles, internal and external mentoring schemes, promotion of women in various awards and targeted training and development programs.
The company is also pleased to have been recognised as an Endorsed Employer for Women by Work180 for over two years.
Advancing gender balance will help improve workplace diversity, draw upon a larger resource pool, retain the best people, and support innovation.
BAE Systems Australia was the first Australian defence company to detail their commitments to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and the wider communities in which they operate.
The Reconciliation Action Plan, launched in 2016, is a comprehensive document that supports the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Of particular importance – their efforts to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to become part of their Australia-wide supply chain; to create employment and development opportunities and to recognise and acknowledge important events and cultural activities.
Through the engagement of their people, indigenous companies and the communities in which BAE operates, BAE Systems Australia is striving to improve the employment and development of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and building a workplace where people respect and support each other.
In 2018 the company signed a 10x10 agreement with CareerTrackers – a national non-profit organisation which provides internship opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students. Under the agreement, BAE Systems is committed to offering internships to no less than ten0 Indigenous students each year.
BAE Systems Australia is proud of the men and women who have served Australia.
The company is committed to supporting the armed forces, veterans and their families. There are many ways they provide support, from their long-term partnership with Soldier On, through to structured fundraising programs, volunteering and support for Veteran employment.
BAE Systems is also committed to supporting Veterans in their job application process. In 2019 they launched a bespoke candidate care program for applicants who identify as Australian Veterans or members of a Defence family. Following an online application, their Talent Acquisition Specialists will make personal contact with those who identify and ensure they get the feedback and support they need throughout the process.