From innovating new approaches to business engagement, to finding cost savings on major programmes, the apprentices have been putting forward ideas to create lasting change in the areas in which they work.
This year’s overall winner is Jainna Bhalla, a Project Manager Degree Apprentice based at Leonardo’s Basildon office. Jainna recently joined the Institutional Affairs area of the business and one of her achievements has been helping create major reports to give informative briefings to local MPs. She is also a member of the company’s Ethnicity Inclusion network committee, acting as Communications lead for the network.
On receiving her award, Jainna said: "I am extremely grateful to have been recognised as Apprentice of the Year 2024. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support system I have at Leonardo and beyond.
"My focus is on creating opportunities and driving meaningful change, particularly by advancing our inclusion and diversity strategy. In my roles as Vice Chair of our Ethnicity Inclusion Network and Co-Founder of The Brown Girl League, I am committed to fostering a more inclusive workplace for everyone.
"As an ambassador for Not Going To Uni, I take pride in showcasing apprenticeship opportunities for school leavers. I believe these awards celebrate the valuable contributions apprentices make and the strides that can be achieved in the workplace without following the traditional university route.
"I am excited to complete my degree apprenticeship soon and look forward to what the future holds!"
Leonardo’s UK VP for Talent Development, Inclusion and Change, Nerys Thomas, congratulated the winners on their achievements. Nerys said: “Each year, we have the difficult task of choosing the Leonardo apprentices who have made an outstanding contribution to Leonardo and made an incredible impression on all those they work alongside. This year's winners have once again demonstrated a dedication to their team objectives, innovative thinking and a passion for their chosen career. It is a real honour to present them with their thoroughly deserved awards, and I wish them and all their fellow apprentices the very best in their future career with Leonardo."
The awards reflect excellence in the range of apprenticeships available through the Leonardo UK Electronics and Cyber & Security businesses, and celebrate the early career professionals who have made a significant contribution to the company. Finalists comprised those who had already been recognised in their chosen fields at Leonardo’s England and Scotland apprentice awards.
The full list of winners Leonardo National Apprenticeship Awards for 2024 is:
- Jainna Bhalla - Business Apprenticeship
- Luke Lewis – Engineering/Cyber Apprenticeship
- Solomon McKiernan - Degree Apprenticeship
- Peter Metcalfe - Contribution to STEM
- George Richardson - Most Improved
- Jainna Bhalla - Overall Apprentice of the Year
This year’s winners consistently demonstrated a positive approach to their learning and employment, and reflected Leonardo's values and appropriate behaviours throughout their work.
Leonardo has over 700 people on early career training schemes across the UK and this year’s winners were chosen from the 200+ apprentices currently on apprenticeships at the company’s Basildon, Bristol, Edinburgh, Lincoln, Luton and Southampton sites.
The awards follow on from last month’s award ceremony for trainees within the company’s UK helicopter facility in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters.
Later this year, Leonardo will be accepting applications for over 200 new early career roles. Our 2025 intake offers apprenticeships, graduate schemes and placements for those taking their first steps on their careers in engineering, cyber security, aeronautics, data analytics, programme and project management, as well as a range of business support roles.