More than 90 new jobs have been created at one of Kent’s largest employers.

Defence, aerospace and security giant BAE Systems has opened early career opportunities at its Rochester site as part of a national recruitment drive.

In total, 93 roles are being created in Medway.

The site will welcome 30 apprentices in September next year across a range of levels, including hardware engineering degree apprenticeships.

Some 29 graduate roles to work in systems, software, mechanical and hardware engineering departments have also been made available.

There are also 34 internships and industrial placements at the Ministry of Defence site set to start in the Summer.

It comes after BAE announced in June they would be increasing their workforce by up to 25% with 500 jobs up for grabs over the next five years, 200 of which were available from September.

This drive included 170 experienced professionals including hardware engineers, production and test technicians, project managers, quality assurance engineers and a variety of manufacturing positions.

In September the major firm announced it had won a £40million contract with the Ministry of Defence to develop and manufacture “cutting edge” fighter pilot helmets

Click here to find our more about what goes on behind the scenes at the major defence and aerospace contractor.

Today’s announcement forms part of BAE’s UK-wide job surge that will see the company take on almost 2,700 young people in apprentice and graduate roles.

This intake marks a doubling of early careers over the past five years.

BAE Systems chief executive, Charles Woodburn, says providing “high-quality” apprenticeships and graduate programmes will give “young people a route into long-term employment”.

He added: “This will help us to grow the talent we need to deliver vital national defence and security programmes, including future fighter jets, nuclear-powered submarines and low earth orbit satellites.

“As the UK’s largest manufacturer, we have sites located right across the country and we’re investing hundreds of millions of pounds to equip young people with the skills they need to achieve their full potential.”