TRUSTED TO DELIVER

YOUR POTENTIAL OUR FUTURE

www.generaldynamics.uk.com

Contents Learn more about General Dynamics UK What sets us apart

2

A leading force for the 21st century

3

World-class through innovation

4

Our solutions and capabilities

5

Our philosophy, ethics and values

6

Making a difference

7

Opportunities for graduates A spectrum of possibilities

8

Meet some of our real graduates

9

Graduates’ inside views: about the programme

10

Partnership for your development

11

Compensation and benefits

12

Graduates’ inside views: the best thing is…

13

Finding your feet at our locations

14

Graduates’ inside views: social life and locations

15

How to apply What next?

16

The process

17

Graduates’ inside views: top tips after leaving university

18

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

1

Learn more about General Dynamics UK WHAT SETS US APART WHAT SETS US APART IS A FRESH APPROACH THAT THRIVES ON INNOVATION AND CREATES AN ENTREPRENEURIAL ATMOSPHERE ENJOYED BY OUR WORLD-CLASS PEOPLE. Because of our reputation in our field, we are regularly listed in the top ‘Business Superbrands’ for offering our customers significant advantages over competitors, alongside the likes of 02, BT, IBM and the Financial Times.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited is part of General Dynamics Corporation, one of the top six defence companies in the world with more than 91,700 employees. Well-established but with a firm focus on the future, not the past, we are commercially successful and growing fast.

In the UK we have 1,650 talented employees across 10 sites, plus international locations to support our operations.

What sets us apart is not just our technical leadership, manufacturing expertise and prime contract management skills. Nor is it our cuttingedge solutions and next generation technologies. It is our fresh approach that thrives on innovation and creates an entrepreneurial atmosphere enjoyed by our world-class people.

We are a commercial success and growing. Our high calibre people relish that, and the fact that they are part of our exciting future. You can be too.

Our name may not be the first that springs to mind, despite the fact that we are a recognised leader in the defence and security industry and the third largest defence prime contractor in the UK. But once you talk to us you will see why we stand out from the crowd. We are well-established but not stuffy; world-class but still ambitious; large but still dynamic; growing but still innovative.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

2

A LEADING FORCE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY OUR COMPANY IS ENTERING A NEW ERA OF EXPANSION, SO WE NEED HIGH CALIBRE GRADUATES KEEN TO MAKE A MARK FROM THE START ON OUR GRADUATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. We have openings for graduates with a 2:1 honours degree or above across engineering, finance, marketing, business support and supply chain. If you are self-driven and have what it takes, our two-year programme offers career opportunities to match your potential and rewards to match your achievement.

General Dynamics UK has accomplished massive growth on the back of major project successes and invested more than £14 million in facilities over the last 10 years. Our workforce has tripled, we have a generous training and development spend and we contribute millions to the UK economy.

Our entrepreneurial culture is driven by people who enjoy having the scope to learn, contribute ideas and shape our future. It is what sets us apart and a significant reason why our graduates enjoy their work so much. Just ask them. It can be tough deciding which direction to take, so this booklet is designed to give you a taster about what life is like at General Dynamics UK. You will find authentic views from our real graduates – you might even meet them if you come along to one of our recruitment fairs or get in touch…

THIS BROCHURE COVERS THREE AREAS: l GENERAL DYNAMICS UK: THE COMPANY, CUSTOMERS, SOLUTIONS, CAPABILITIES AND MARKETS l THE OPPORTUNITIES, SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OUR GRADUATE PROGRAMME OFFERS l HOW TO APPLY AND WHO TO CONTACT

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

3

WORLD-CLASS THROUGH INNOVATION OUR MARKET SHARE IS UNDERPINNED BY BEING AT THE CUTTING-EDGE OF MARKET-LEADING TECHNOLOGIES.

With our world-class team and industry-leading knowledge, we have a proven track record. We’re trusted to deliver.

General Dynamics UK is a leading integrator of defence and security systems, delivering decisive advantage for military and government customers worldwide.

We take leading products and technologies and perform the integration work to enable their effective use. Our market share is underpinned by a diverse supply chain, as well as a significant contribution from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) at the cutting-edge of market-leading innovative technologies.

As well as providing integrated mission and tactical solutions across the C4ISTAR domain, we also specialise in the integration and digitisation of Armoured Fighting Vehicles and the protection of critical national infrastructures.

Innovation is valued in General Dynamics UK. In 2008 we launched the EDGE™ UK, a pioneering innovation centre for Britain’s knowledge-based industries. It enables rapid testing of new advances in technology by the MoD, Britain’s leading universities, and high-tech SMEs. The sharing of innovative ideas is a powerful force for progress. In 2003, the MoD created the Defence Technology Centre (DTC) programme to turn advanced research into exploitable technology. Under our leadership, and in collaboration with industry partners and academia, the Data and

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

4

Information Fusion DTC (DIF-DTC) inspired and nurtured a wealth of technological development over six years to 2009. We are the prime contractor and systems integrator for Bowman, the tactical C4I system for the British armed forces, and a leading provider of ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) capability. In the UK we are structured around three main business areas:, C4I Systems, Advanced Projects and Technologies and Mission and Security Systems.

OUR KEY STRENGTHS ARE: l PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT ENGINEERING l RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT l COMMERCIAL ACUMEN l WORLD-CLASS SYSTEMS INTEGRATION LABORATORIES l NATO INTEROPERABILITY

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

5

OUR SOLUTIONS AND CAPABILITIES PIONEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND THE QUALITY OF OUR PEOPLE GIVE US OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE

Our C4I Systems business has successfully delivered Bowman, our secure, state-of-the-art tactical communication system used by the UK armed forces. It gives a decisive advantage, integrating digital voice and data technology, full situational awareness and planning and battle management applications. The programme includes the integration and digitisation of more than 13,000 platforms, such as armoured fighting vehicles, helicopters, naval vessels, landing craft and fixed HQ buildings. By 2008, the UK forces had all converted to Bowman – more than 70,000 personnel from all three services are trained to use it.

Being a world-class systems integrator means we get to design the most cutting-edge networked battlefield communication systems. Our solutions and capabilities are too varied and complex to list here, so here is a taster.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

6

Advanced Projects and Technologies works with armoured fighting vehicles and the integration of sub-related systems. The core activity is developing

For over 30 years, our Mission and Security Systems business has been delivering integrated mission and tactical solutions across the Airborne and ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) domain, as well as offering global capability in security and resilience solutions.

solutions for the UK Future Rapid Effects System (FRES) programme. In addition, our Research and

Development function ensures that we can provide customers with UK-developed low risk system solutions meeting their present and future needs using the best technologies. We draw on internal innovative ideas, and on concepts from a wide base of academic partners, ensuring both practical understanding and the most advanced thinking. Current programmes can provide a core capability which is then advanced to higher levels of utility and performance for application in the same and new programmes. Other capabilities are developed from their inception in our own internal development labs to be ready for customer application.

ISTAR provides actionable intelligence to the right person at the right time. Products include operational flight programmes with integrated digital mapping and recording for the Lynx helicopter and safety critical designs for ‘ground to air’ and ‘air to air’ data networks.

We are one of very few defence companies to offer such strong and diverse capabilities in the worldwide security and resilience markets, providing our customers with intrinsically safe solutions. From protection of critical national infrastructures, including ports, transport and vital energy installations, to deployable security command facilities, installation surveillance and urban ISTAR awareness.

OUR SOLUTIONS INCLUDE: l C4I SYSTEMS l ARMOURED FIGHTING VEHICLES l SECURITY AND RESILIENCE l AIR NEC AVIONIC SYSTEMS l SAFETY CRITICAL SOFTWARE For more details visit www.generaldynamics.uk.com

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

7

OUR PHILOSOPHY, ETHICS AND VALUES GENERAL DYNAMICS UK’S STRONG ETHICS LEADERSHIP COMES STRAIGHT FROM CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS.

All our employees receive formal training in Business Ethics and Conduct, which covers four simple principles:

Philosophy, ethics and values are words often bandied around in the corporate world, with little understanding about what they truly mean. At General Dynamics UK we take these things seriously. Our work is underpinned by integrity, honesty and respect – in everything we do.

l Use assets wisely l Offer a fair deal l Deliver on promise

The nature of our work requires us to have strong values and an awareness of public concerns, so our business conduct reflects our ethics’ principles. Commitment to such standards makes our Company great.

l Earn a fair return Our philosophy of partnership and teamwork with customers, suppliers and vendors is an integral part of the way we operate so we get the best results. Innovation is also key – shown by our collaborations with SMEs and our pioneering Research Foundation.

Ethics leadership is strong within the Company, coming straight from Corporate headquarters. We believe in working together with our suppliers, vendors, contractors, and partners to develop ethics and compliance programmes that are consistent with our values.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

The Research Foundation fosters understanding of the evolving nature of warfare, with particular emphasis on command and battlespace management. Under the Whither Warfare banner it sponsors periodic conferences to promote debate on topical issues.

8

MAKING A DIFFERENCE INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF COMMUNITIES WHERE WE LIVE AND WORK IS IMPORTANT TO US.

As a leader in the defence industry, another focus is on helping to look after the well-being of members of the armed forces and their families, both serving and retired, so we make annual contributions to ABS The Soldiers Charity, the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), Combat Stress and Help for Heroes.

At General Dynamics UK, we pride ourselves on being a responsible Company that cares about the communities where we live and work and the customers we serve. We actively support several charities and benevolent funds. Donating generously to schools and children’s charities in particular gives us great pleasure and we hope that by investing in the future, we will continue to give life to the community.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

9

Opportunities for graduates A SPECTRUM OF POSSIBILITIES PEOPLE WHO RISE TO THE TOP OF OUR COMPANY ARE DRIVEN BY LEARNING, ACHIEVEMENT AND HIGH-QUALITY GOALS.

Our dynamic, entrepreneurial environment also means there is plenty of learning through hands-on experience, networking, access to senior management, mentoring, formal training and a personalised development plan.

We are always on the look out for self-driven bright sparks with a burning desire to make their mark in a world-class Company. If the idea of working in an organisation that nurtures young talent resonates, join our two-year graduate development programme.

Opportunities are available in engineering, finance, marketing, business support and supply chain. A relevant degree helps, but we are also interested in talented graduates with the drive to succeed and hunger to learn.

Innovation is not just our lifeblood, it is our future. Our people thrive on it and our graduates are the ones who help to drive it. If you believe you have what it takes we can offer career opportunities to match your potential and rewards to match your achievement. We know high-calibre students are looking to stretch their boundaries through continuous learning and new challenges, so we offer lots of variety as you move between departments and carry out research projects.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

10

YOUR POTENTIAL OUR FUTURE

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

11

MEET SOME OF OUR REAL GRADUATES THERE’S NOTHING LIKE WORD-OF-MOUTH TO GIVE YOU THE CONFIDENCE THAT COMING TO WORK FOR GENERAL DYNAMICS UK IS A GOOD MOVE.

Stuart studied Manufacturing Systems Engineering at Warwick University. He is leading the systems integration for a new product for Bowman.

Our graduates have experienced what you are going through now. They had the pressure of exams and the multitude of decisions and choices about which direction to take after finishing university.

Steven studied a Masters in Physics and PhD in Theoretical Physics at Swansea University. He is a systems integration test engineer currently working on a MoD contract bid.

Throughout the next pages you will find unedited graduates’ inside views on what the programme and life at General Dynamics UK is really like, the social life post-university and some top tips they wish someone had given them. Gareth studied Computer Systems Engineering at Cardiff University. He is currently a Systems Integration Engineer. Lisa studied Computing at the University of Bolton. She is based in Hastings but is currently on placement in Italy working on the testing phase of a build.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

12

GRADUATES’ INSIDE VIEWS ABOUT THE PROGRAMME…

“I expected it to be a good place to come and work and to be able to do the things I enjoy and all my expectations have been met so far. It’s relaxed in that you are given plenty of responsibility and a good amount of work, but you have ownership over how you manage it. So long as you get on with the job, there is flexibility and you are not micro-managed.” Gareth

“It was really varied. I started in software testing then moved to more technical work integrating new software with Bowman. I also gained some formal qualifications in software and network testing that the Company sponsored me for and now I’m using.” Stuart

“So far my expectations have been exceeded. I felt a bit intimidated that I might be thrown in the deep end at first but there is lots of support with mentoring, buddying and training. I like the fact it is not just day-to-day engineering – it’s a business management programme too. We even get access to senior management – if you drop them an email with an idea you could get invited to discuss it with them.” Steven

“I wanted a scheme that enabled me to gain experience in a variety of areas, using different technologies and that offered me learning, development and training opportunities. So far, it’s met all my requirements and the Company is very employee-orientated.” Lisa

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

13

PARTNERSHIP IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT INVESTING IN FIRST-CLASS TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF OUR PEOPLE IS AN INVESTMENT IN OUR FUTURE.

At General Dynamics UK we believe that your development is a partnership – a shared responsibility between you and the Company. The high standards we set ourselves are reflected in our approach to growing our people. Career development begins on day one and continues for as long as you stay. With General Dynamics UK you can expect the level of training and support that makes a career with us so rewarding: l A personalised development plan and regular progress reviews l Professional training and development courses l Placements to give you hands-on experience and learning l Networking meetings with other graduates and access to senior management mentors

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

14

From the start you will get a personalised, structured development plan that offers the flexibility today’s careers demand. It will help you acquire new, transferable skills to widen your opportunities and give you scope to carve a successful niche in your chosen field. We also have strong links with professional institutions and support anyone wishing to gain a relevant additional qualification. Placements on industry-leading projects across the Company mean you will get hands-on experience and plenty of variety, as well as learning core business skills. You will be guided by your manager throughout, who will help you set objectives to measure your progress, provide advice and arrange regular reviews or informal chats.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

15

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS WE VALUE OUR WORLD-CLASS PEOPLE AND SHOW IT THROUGH EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

The DynamicsBenefits Scheme is five core benefits and 10 voluntary benefits. Core benefits include generous holidays, life and health insurance, an employee assistance programme and a lifestyle package offering discounted goods and services.

We know that doing a good job is rewarding in itself, but we also live in the real world. If you are accepted onto our graduate development programme you can expect a highly competitive package and rewards to match your achievements as you progress.

Among our voluntary benefits are BUPA private medical cover, critical illness and personal accident cover, health checks and a pension scheme. We can tell you more about this when you get in touch, but rest assured we look after our people.

Our graduates are people who want to be here, to get outstanding results and who have an empathy with our respect for innovation and entrepreneurial culture. Our compensation includes a salary paid on 15th of every month (two weeks in arrears, two in advance) and relocation assistance where appropriate.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

16

GRADUATES’ INSIDE VIEW THE BEST THING IS...

“There is no typical day or week because the work is so varied. I’ve worked on two or three projects since I’ve been here for periods of between six and 12 months. You have work to complete but it’s up to you how you plan and do it, so you have autonomy.” Gareth

“There is a lot of development and support which everyone appreciates. You get to experience a product’s lifecycle so your knowledge and understanding increase significantly. Opportunities to travel are also available – I’ve just been to Canada to have a look at a new product release.” Stuart

“I especially like the idea of getting all the crosssite graduates together every three months to work on team projects. It allows excellent networking and enables us to build up contacts in the different business units quickly. For me, one of the main benefits has been changing teams and projects every few months. You learn new working methodologies and gain a lot of experience in different technologies.” Lisa

“It’s definitely the breadth of the things we do. We get set tasks in business awareness and strategy, meet the Vice Presidents and get access to people we normally wouldn’t meet. It gives you more insight into other perspectives and gives you a much deeper understanding of the business as a whole and why decisions get made.” Steven

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

17

FINDING YOUR FEET AT OUR LOCATIONS ONCE YOU JOIN OUR TEAM YOU ARE NOT JUST LEFT TO YOUR OWN DEVICES. OUR LOCATIONS GIVE YOU EASY ACCESS TO COUNTRYSIDE, SEA AND THRIVING TOWNS AND CITIES. At General Dynamics UK we want you to enjoy life outside of work too, so we give you a helping hand to make your move go smoothly and kick-start your social life.

Oakdale/Newbridge, South Wales The location of our two sites in South Wales means you get a choice of where to live because it’s placed between Cardiff and Newport. Many of our graduates start off in a house share and there is plentiful accommodation, particularly in the buzzing bay area of Cardiff. This suits city lovers, because there is always something going on with countless shops, restaurants and bars. If you are a nature lover, it is literally on your doorstep. The Brecon Beacons are close by for walking and outdoor sports, while Swansea is just along the coast for seaside and surfing fans.

There will be plenty of opportunities to meet other graduates, join a buzzing social club and get active with discounted gym membership. Our site locations also offer a great range of diverse activities. Most of our graduates are based at either our South Wales or Hastings sites. Here is a brief description of each site:

Hastings, East Sussex Hastings is a lovely town on the south coast of England. It has something to suit all preferences, whether it is a lively atmosphere (particularly in the summer) or tucked away peace and quiet in the old town and surrounding countryside. There are cool bars, bistros and restaurants existing comfortably alongside quaint little tea rooms, traditional pubs and shops.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

18

GRADUATES’ INSIDE VIEWS SOCIAL LIFE AND LOCATIONS

”I did consider moving to London but I decided to stay around Cardiff because I like the quality of life. It offers the best of both worlds with a buzzing city and great countryside.” Gareth

“I initially went into a house share with one of the other graduates and now I’ve bought a place in Cardiff. The bars and restaurants are a big plus and the commute to work is great because you are going in the opposite direction to the traffic. There are plenty of good houses and apartments to rent in Cardiff and it’s only 35 minutes away from work.” Stuart

“I’m based in Hastings. It’s a small town with lots to offer in the way of heritage and has some brilliant and unusual shops hidden away in the old area. There are lots of parks and woodland reserves, not forgetting the beach. It’s a great vibe, especially in summer when it seems there’s always something going on – food and wine festivals, gigs, movies on the beach, beer festivals, parades, bonfires…” Lisa

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

“I moved to South Wales from Amersham and I much prefer the more relaxed pace and quality of life here. I have more of a social life, the cost of living and housing is much cheaper and it’s stressfree. We are close to the Brecon Beacons and also to Swansea, where I go surfing. The move was made easier by a network of new graduates. It was like starting uni…There’s also an active sports and social club and discounted gym membership.” Steven

19

How to apply WHAT NEXT? IF YOU WANT TO BE PART OF OUR WORLD-CLASS TEAM WITH A BRIGHT FUTURE, THE NEXT STEP IS UP TO YOU…

We regularly visit careers fairs, recruitment events and universities around the country, so check our website www.generaldynamics.uk.com for dates near you.

Now that you know more about us and the exciting opportunities our graduate development programme offers we hope you want to find out more. We are recruiting for bright graduates who are hungry for a challenge now.

There is no need to wait though, why not contact us directly to ask for an application form or simply send us your CV now? Our recruitment team is ready to answer any questions you may have and talk you through the selection process.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

20

Adverts, career fairs

Application and selection

Assessment centres and interviews

Graduate development scheme

Partnership for your development

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

21

GRADUATES’ INSIDE VIEWS TOP TIPS ON LEAVING UNIVERSITY

“Like any role, it’s what you make of it. If you do a good job you will be looked after and move up the ladder. It does take time, so be patient, but if you show you are good you will be noticed – this is a growing Company. Just go for it and work hard. This is the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. You may have the technical knowledge after a degree but there is still a lot to learn with workplace experience.” Gareth

“Just be yourself. Don’t worry about your degree. Mine wasn’t directly applicable to what I do and I’ve got lots out of the programme. Selection is based more on capability, potential and transferable skills.” Stuart

“Just do it! My qualifications didn’t match exactly what was required and I didn’t have any experience in what I do now, but the Company trains its graduates and is open-minded. It’s quite competitive when you finish university and you will get setbacks along the way – but don’t take them personally. Push for as much assessment centre practice as you can before you leave university. You’ll be nervous enough on the day, so if you’ve got some practice and knowledge it really helps.” Steven

“Be yourself. Be prepared to work hard. It is hard work but you are continuously learning. Work hard, play hard and, if in doubt, ASK!” Lisa

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

22

For more information and how to apply please visit www.generaldynamics.uk.com Email queries: [email protected]

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

23

OUR CUSTOMERS DEMAND THE VERY BEST SOLUTIONS FROM US. IN TURN WE ONLY EMPLOY THE BEST. CAN YOU OFFER SOMETHING UNIQUE? DO YOU THINK YOU CAN HANDLE THE PRESSURE OF WORKING IN ONE OF THE MOST INNOVATIVE ORGANISATIONS IN THE WORLD? WE WANT THE BEST, FULL STOP. SO IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY WHERE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND TALENT WILL BE PUT TO GOOD USE THEN IT’S TIME YOU CONTACTED US. General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited

24

© January 2011 General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited The information contained in this publication is supplied by General Dynamics UK Limited (GDUK). It does not form part of any contract for the purchase of any product or service described in this publication. Although GDUK makes every effort to verify the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the Company accepts no responsibility for any defect or error in this publication, or in the information supplied; nor shall GDUK be liable for any change or loss caused as a result of reliance upon such information.

General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited Main number: Fax number:

+44 (0)1495 236300 +44 (0)1495 236400

For more information and how to apply please visit www.generaldynamics.uk.com Email: [email protected]

www.generaldynamics.uk.com GDUK1089 01/11