In November, we welcomed the last of our 2023 cohort of new Early Careers joiners to the company. Throughout the year, we had been excited to on-board so many new recruits onto our early career programmes, including work experience students. Driven by our leading role in exciting engineering programmes like GCAP, we increased our total Early Careers population by 50% throughout the year.
But we’re not stopping there! Later in the month, we launched our 2024 Early Career roles, with applications open to those looking for Apprentice, Graduate and Placement opportunities in the new year. Check out our recruitment campaign, which features some of our current Early Career professionals, and apply today.
We were also delighted to join fellow members of the 5% Club at their Awards Reception to celebrate 10 years of investment in apprenticeships and graduate roles in the workplace, where Leonardo was again recognised as a Gold-accredited member. Discover all of Leonardo’s accreditations for investment in our people.
Several Leonardo ambassadors attended the Wings Over Wairapara airshow in New Zealand to demonstrate our commitment in the region, in November. The team from our Yeovil site made the journey across the world to exhibit Leonardo’s products, including the AW159 Wildcat, as well as showcase STEM activities to engage with local school students and families.
It was announced that Leonardo, alongside fellow combat air companies and the Ministry of Defence, had been conducting research with scientists at the cutting-edge of machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science and computing to support the development of software for Tempest, part of the UK’s future combat air system (FCAS). The collaboration provided valuable insights to software requirements, design, delivery, operation, speed of upgrades and maintenance for the programme.
Later in the month, Leonardo was recognised as having the Best Flexible Working Policy at the Investors in People Awards 2023, a prestigious event in the HR calendar. Leonardo beat seven other finalists in the category, impressing the judges with our unique approach to flexible working opportunities – testament to the ongoing commitment to our people’s wellbeing.
The month saw BBC’s latest nature documentary series, Planet Earth III, receive rave reviews around the world. Narrated by David Attenborough, the series used thermal imaging technology developed by Leonardo to capture stunning wildlife footage in some of the world’s most dynamic and dangerous habitats.
On Carers Rights Day, colleagues in Leonardo’s Carers network group helped raise visibility of the roles and rights of carers by sharing their experiences. We also launched the latest cohort of the Navigator development programme, which focuses on assessing stereotypes of masculinity, mental health, wellbeing and stress management.
November is also a time of remembrance, as we commemorate the fallen on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. This year, as well as joining remembrance services at our sites, Leonardo colleagues shared what Remembrance means to them in personal stories. This activity was led by our Armed Forces network group, which connects and supports our veterans, reservists and military family colleagues. Our people also paid their respects outside of work, including Leonardo's Head of Capability (EW Sensors), Fiona Clark, who gathered local neighbours to knit and crochet around 300 poppies to create a beautiful tribute to those we remember.