Code First Girls and BAE Systems Strengthen Pathways Into Digital and Cyber Careers for Women

LONDON, UK – 3 November 2026 – Code First Girls, the UK’s leading provider of tech training and talent solutions for diverse talent, and BAE Systems has reached a significant milestone, with  more than 70 women offered full-time roles across digital, cyber, and intelligence  disciplines through their strategic partnership since 2022. The milestone comes as organisations across the UK continue to face growing demand for digital and cyber skills, underlining the importance of building sustainable talent pipelines into critical technology roles.

Designed to increase the representation of women across the defence technology sector, the partnership leverages Code First Girls’ flagship CFGdegree to identify and develop high-potential talent. Following a rigorous application process and thorough technical training, candidates transition directly into key roles in BAE Systems, including software development, DevOps, and infrastructure engineering positions across the UK.

Beyond direct recruitment, BAE Systems has also sponsored more than 780 free learning opportunities through the Code First Girls community investment model, helping to broaden access to technology careers and strengthen the pipeline of digital and cyber talent across the UK.

“In today’s high-stakes cyber and defence landscape, you need diverse teams who can think differently and spot critical blind spots before adversaries do,” said Anna Brailsford MBE, CEO at Code First Girls. “Providing employment opportunities for 70 women into BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is a massive milestone. It proves what’s possible when an industry leader is genuinely invested in the future of digital defence.”

“Our partnership with Code First Girls has helped connect us with talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives, technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges across digital, cyber and intelligence domains. As demand for critical technology and cyber skills continues to grow, initiatives like this play an important role in broadening access to rewarding careers while strengthening the capabilities we deliver for our customers,” adds Karen Hancock, Vice President, People, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence & Land.

Notes to editors:

The 70 women have been recruited into the following roles: 

• Software engineers

• Cyber specialists

• Platform engineers

• DevOps engineers

• Infrastructure specialists

About Code First Girls 

Code First Girls is the UK’s largest provider of free coding courses for women, having delivered over £75m worth of free education and creating 300,000+  learning opportunities. Working with over 160 global businesses and government departments, Code First Girls transforms talent pipelines through entry-level, mid-level, and upskilling tech programmes.

About BAE Systems

 

We provide some of the world’s most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions, helping customers stay ahead of evolving threats across land, sea, air, cyber and space. We are a skilled workforce of around 110,000 people, working with customers and local partners in more than 40 countries to deliver military capability, protect national security and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

 

About BAE Systems Digital Intelligence & Land

Digital Intelligence & Land (DI & Land) is a fast-paced hub within BAE Systems, home to 6,000 experts across 13 countries. Our advanced cyber, digital and manufacturing capabilities are dedicated to keeping vital infrastructure running, national security protected and armed forces prepared. 

From transforming complex data into actionable intelligence to delivering next-generation capabilities for the battlespace of tomorrow, our agile teams leverage AI to help customers move from data to delivery at mission speed. We empower militaries, government departments and critical national infrastructure to detect risks and emerging threats, decide and plan the right course of action, and deploy mission effects with agility and precision.

For more information about DI & Land, visit: https://www.baesystems.com/digital

Code First Girls Press Office Email: amy.condon@codefirstgirls.com