Applications open for 2024 work experience programme at the Home of British Helicopters

During a week in March and another in July 2023, the STEM Committee at Leonardo in Yeovil hosted a total of 32 teenage students from several schools located within a 15-mile radius of Leonardo’s Yeovil site. The course is designed to give young people an insight into aerospace engineering, develop relevant skills and showcase the excellent career opportunities that could be available to them.

Through a series of engineering-based activities, as well as talks from Leonardo Helicopters UK test pilots and engineers, the 16 students, aged 14-16, gained an understanding of the various critical engineering and business functions that enable our helicopters to operate successfully.

The week also featured tours of the site’s comprehensive range of facilities, including the Training Academy, avionics simulators, and assembly lines where Leonardo’s AW101 and AW159 helicopters are built. Sessions focussed on interview skills and speed networking; learning about the search & rescue programmes that the company is involved in; and how social value plays a central part in the company’s local, national and international activities.

Leonardo graduate, Oran Hosey, who planned and organised the work experience programme at the Home of British Helicopters, said: “All the students were extremely engaged, allowing for a successful and informative week. The team was fortunate to have such excellent volunteers from all areas within the business who provided additional opportunities for the students to learn first-hand about the opportunities that are open to them, should they chose to pursue a career with Leonardo Helicopters UK. We look forward to welcoming another group of work experience students in July.”

Feedback from the teenagers who attended the week, was very positive too, with many stating they were likely to consider a Leonardo Training Scheme or Direct Entry position in the future.

One said: “This week has made me realise what it takes to be an engineer. I wasn’t sure what career path I would want to follow, but seeing the work that goes on here has made me want to pursue a career with Leonardo Helicopters [UK].”

Another described the week as “Very helpful. It helped me learn that there is so much more to Leonardo than I previously thought, along with the support of some really nice people at the event.”

Others added: “I now understand how Leonardo operates and what the company is all about. I learned a lot from the really fun activities. This allowed me to gain experience that not many people will get.”

“The week’s work experience programme really helped me decide what I want to do in the future,” said another student.

One said they were now “considering a career at Leonardo Yeovil in the future as it’s very interesting. I have learned a lot throughout the week and there is a lovely community on site. It’s been good to speak to people and hear about what they do and their experiences, as well as seeing the aircraft take off.”

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Apply now for the work experience programme

Work experience will run again at Leonardo’s Yeovil site from 1-5 July 2024. Students from across the UK can apply for the programme, with full application details available on the work experience page of the Leonardo Careers website.