BAE Systems is pressing ahead with plans to recruit its latest batch of 800 apprentices, despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The company, which has a base in Brockworth, saw more than 9,000 applications for the roles in February and have shortlisted almost 2,000 candidates.

Apprentices will join one of more more than 25 training programmes in the company's air, maritime and electronic systems divisions with most starting between September and January.

Chief executive Charles Woodburn said: "Getting people back to work and creating new jobs, especially for younger people, is a national priority and we're pleased to play our part in supporting the UK's economic recovery.

"The contribution apprentices make to our business is vital in maintaining our ability to continue to deliver cutting edge technologies which protect national security.

"We've worked hard to adapt our application and training processes to allow education to continue, while protecting the health and wellbeing of our employees and new recruits."

Research from the Resolution Foundation found that those born in the late 1990s are expected to be hardest hit by the current crisis.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson said: "BAE Systems' recruitment of 800 apprentices is yet more evidence that apprenticeships are an excellent choice for young people and shows that they are an excellent route into a wide range of high-quality and exciting careers.

"I am certain that apprenticeships will play a vital role in our economic recovery from coronavirus."

The recruitment process will see candidates interviewed remotely.

BAE says it remains committed to recruiting around 250 graduates between September and June with an additional 60 one-year industrial placements starting in September.