The launch comes at a critical time. Nearly one million young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), representing around one in eight young people. At the same time, only 36% of UK students gain in-person work experience before leaving education. person work experience before leaving education (Source: Springpod).
Leonardo has long been committed to supporting the next generation of talent. Each year, more than 250 students take part in face-to-face work experience programmes across Leonardo sites in the UK. However, recognising that many more young people could benefit from workplace learning, the company has developed a comprehensive virtual alternative that can be accessed by students wherever they are based.
Created in partnership with Springpod, the new programme provides sixhours of engaging, on-demand content that can be accessed anytime, anywhere by learners aged 13 and above. The virtual experience enables students to explore the breadth of careers available within Leonardo and gain a deeper understanding of the innovative technologies and projects that shape the company's work.
Participants will discover how Leonardo develops cutting-edge technology across a range of sectors, from manufacturing state-of-the-art helicopters and next-generation electronics to building cyber and security systems that help protect critical data. Through interactive activities, quizzes and real-world challenges, students can test their knowledge while gaining valuable insight into the skills and expertise required across the business.
The programme also offers learners the opportunity to hear directly from Leonardo employees at every stage of their careers. From apprentices and graduates to experienced professionals and senior leaders, including CEO and Chair Clive Higgins, students will gain first-hand perspectives on career pathways, workplace experiences and the opportunities available within the organisation.
Michelle Strange, UK STEM Lead at Leonardo, said: "At Leonardo, we know that meaningful work experience can play a transformative role in helping young people understand the opportunities available to them and make informed decisions about their future careers. While our existing site-based programmes continue to have a significant impact, we wanted to create a solution that could reach more students, regardless of where they live."
Sam Hyams, Founder and CEO at Springpod, said: "We're delighted to partner with Leonardo to bring students behind the scenes of one of the UK's leading technology and engineering organisations. Through this programme, learners will gain a unique understanding of the people, projects and career opportunities that make Leonardo such an exciting place to work."
The launch further strengthens Leonardo's commitment to supporting the UK Government's ambition for all students to complete a minimum of two weeks' work experience by Year 11. Alongside the company's existing STEM activities, careers events, mentoring programmes and in-person placements, the virtual programme will help extend access to meaningful work-related learning and encourage earlier engagement with a wider range of career opportunities.
By removing geographical barriers and providing flexible access to high-quality career education, Leonardo's new virtual work experience programme aims to inspire more young people to explore careers in science, technology, engineering and manufacturing, helping them develop the knowledge, confidence and aspirations needed for their future success.