Can you give an overview of your career in the Armed Forces?
I have just completed a 22-year career in the RAF as an aircraft mechanical technician. In the military I specialised in fault diagnosing complex mechanical aircraft systems including Gas turbines, fuel systems and Hydraulic systems. I have worked on Tornado F3, VC10, C-17 and latterly Typhoon Aircraft. Deploying globally in support of Multinational Operations and Exercises
What did you have in mind for your 2nd career after leaving the Armed Forces?
After the military I wanted to stay in engineering. I had no specific area of engineering but had looked at continuing in Aerospace and looked at completing my CAA Engineering licenses to carry on working on Aircraft in the civilian sector. I was contacted by a Matchtech Recruiter who asked if I had considered Systems Engineering. It was not something I had considered. After researching the role, I was instantly intrigued and applied to join the LEAP programme and was fortunate to be selected to be a part of the first Cohort of LEAP systems engineers.
What was it about the SE LEAP Programme that was attractive for you?
Although Systems Engineering was a new discipline, the continuation and connection with the military that struck a chord with me. Also I was transitioning from a long-term military career, working with a company like Leonardo and its long heritage working alongside the UK armed forces, meant I was still familiar with the programmes and the sector. I also felt like I was at a stage in my career where a more Engineering manager role was more appealing with a step away ‘being on the tools’ as a step up in my Engineering journey.
How would you describe the support you have received on your LEAP journey so far?
The support has been excellent. Everyone on the programme from Leonardo to the instructors at SOSE and Innexia have all been understanding in our challenges faced during the transition period. They have all been approachable and willing to answer messages in their own time.
What do you love most about being part of the LEAP Programme at Leonardo?
The additional intensive training that supports the on-the-job learning is amazing. It’s making me feel that I can progress in the company at a faster rate. I think this has been supported very well with the training provide by SOSE and Innexia.
What contribution have you made already in your new Systems Engineering role at Leonardo that you are most proud of?
My biggest achievement at the moment given how new and junior into the company I am at this stage of my journey, is that I feel I have managed to integrate into the team. The team are also happy for my opinion on matters and have taken the time to show me the different programmes used by the company in day-to-day life of a Leonardo Systems Engineer. That feeling of acceptance is in my opinion my biggest achievement so far.
What advice would you give to others, considering opportunities on the LEAP Programme at Leonardo?
In my opinion from this current experience take the LEAP. It has been really rewarding so far and has made me feel supported during the transition out the military after 22 years. Allowing some of the pressure to be taken off and making the family situation a little easier knowing the job pressure isn’t as great. The stability it has brought to my home life knowing that if required the time away from home is not sporadic and is factored in well in advance. Thus, taking the fear and pressure of not knowing when the next deployment is out of the equation. I have also spoken to friends within Leonardo who are ex RAF who have found out about the programme, and they also say if the programme had been about when they were due to leave that they too would have applied.
Anything else you'd like to tell us about the LEAP Programme and your experience?
Engineering in the military has a bit of systems engineering within. This has allowed me learn Systems Engineering by association of my previous experience. For me this makes the learning a little easier. It does not mean that the course is handed out, there is still a good amount of work to be done in the background. But by having the learning by association of experience has helped me on my Systems Engineering journey.
