The Operations-to-Engineering Programme at Leonardo has been designed to support employees looking to transition from operational roles into engineering careers. In collaboration with WithYouWithMe (WYWM), this programme identifies potential through cognitive assessments, focusing on natural abilities and enthusiasm for learning over traditional qualifications. It’s a path for employees like Ricken, who have the passion and drive to move into the tech industry but may not have had the opportunity or resources to do so before.
For Ricken, this programme represented the perfect chance to pursue his dream of becoming a software engineer.
“My initial thought, when I first learnt about this opportunity, was that it was too good to be true! Once I had digested the information, I was really excited about this opportunity as it meant I could fulfil my aspiration of becoming a software engineer whilst continuing to work at Leonardo.”
The Process
The first step in Ricken’s journey was the aptitude and psychometric testing. This assessment helped him discover his strengths and suitability for software engineering. “The testing was a real eye-opener,” Ricken says. “It showed me that I had the right skills to succeed in the tech field, which really motivated me to keep moving forward.”
Next came the Culture Fit interview, which focused on Ricken’s motivations and why he wanted to transition into software engineering. “The interview was relaxed and focused more on my passion and potential rather than just my technical knowledge. That made me feel comfortable and gave me confidence that I was on the right path,” he explains.
Looking Ahead
For Ricken, the programme has been a turning point in his career. “This programme has increased my likelihood of staying at Leonardo! Prior to the programme, I was beginning to look for external opportunities in the tech field, but this has allowed me to fulfil my desire of working in the software field whilst remaining at Leonardo, which is a great place to work!”
Over the next five years, he plans to hone his programming skills and grow as a software engineer. The programme has opened up possibilities that he didn’t think were available to him, allowing him to pursue his career goals while staying with a company that values his development.