Meet Elin, a former technical apprentice who is now a
full-time senior systems technician at Leonardo, with big ambitions for the
future.
What is your current role?
In my current role, I sit across two projects, predominantly
working on the ECRS Mk2 radar for the UK Typhoon fleet, but also on the Defence
Aid Sub-System (DASS) for the Typhoon. It’s nice to work on a product that’s
quite mature and later in its lifecycle doing development upgrades for future
Typhoon capability, alongside a fresh product where I have the opportunity to
make a big impact on the system’s development early on.
What does a typical day/week look like?
My job focuses on integration, ensuring all the hardware,
firmware and software work together. Following initial testing, it’s delivered
to the customer for flight trials. We also work with suppliers, undertaking
early functionality testing on a testbed aircraft to see how systems react.
Because my role is so varied, I could be doing testing in a
lab, collaborating with a customer like the Royal Air Force, or working with a
supplier. Since Leonardo is the design authority for DASS, we work closely with
our partners in Italy, Spain and Germany who make parts for our systems. This
all means I’m kept on my toes, with lots of travelling in Europe and all over
the UK. Travelling is something I very much enjoy, and the mix of work keeps me
stimulated.
Why did you choose to join Leonardo and how has your
career developed?
I was predicted excellent GCSEs grades, so my school advised
me to go to sixth form and complete A-levels as a stepping stone towards
university. However, during sixth form I started to underperform due to the
stress of A-levels, and it impacted my mental health. Whilst this was going on,
I had just been formally diagnosed as having dyslexia, and was still trying to
find out how I learn best and identifying my coping mechanisms.
During the summer of my first year at sixth form, I
completed a week’s work experience at Leonardo. I was having the time of my
life learning about engineering and meeting new people. The whole week inspired
me. My second year at college did not go very well, which left me wondering ‘I
am never going to get to work for a company like that?’.
After my A-levels, having decided that university wasn’t for
me, I worked full-time for two years. However, I still dreamt of becoming an
engineer, but with no idea of how I was going to do it. I couldn’t go back to
full-time education as I was already earning, and I didn’t think it would suit
my learning style. So, I looked into apprenticeships, and they almost seemed too good to be
true. I would go to college one day a week to get professional qualifications,
and I would be applying everything I learnt to the work in my role, which would
reinforce my knowledge and keep me engaged and motivated – and I would still be
earning an income! It was the perfect solution to start my career and achieve
my dream job as an engineer.
My Level 3 Apprenticeship was very intense, but I completed
it in September 2023, qualifying as a technician. I was then promoted to senior
systems technician in November 2024. Naturally you progress in your role; the
more experience you gain, the more hands-on you are, and the more you get
involved in a variety of activities.
Looking ahead, I’m planning to start a degree relating to
data science in September 2025, and then work my way up at Leonardo. Having
finished my apprenticeship, it was the conclusion of my first five-year plan
that I wrote after my A-levels. However, I hadn’t thought about the following
years, so have recently developed my new five-year plan covering career
aspirations, professional training and development requirements, STEM
engagement opportunities and personal life ambitions – all of which gives me a
focus.
Would you recommend working as a technician in Leonardo,
and why?
People always say the best engineers have been technicians.
This is because you gain practical, hands-on skills by implementing the
engineers’ solutions and gaining an understanding of how the system works in
the real world. With this knowledge of the system and understanding of how
someone will implement the solution, you start thinking of it as a whole, where
you can see it from both sides.
Having this unique insight, which you get as a Leonardo
technician, enables us to develop the best possible solutions that will work in
real life, not just on paper. It also stands me in good stead for my future
aspirations as an engineer.
What has been your greatest achievement at Leonardo so
far?
Being named Leonardo’s UK Electronics Apprentice of the Year
(Second Year) was a real highlight, while I’m also very proud to have completed
my apprenticeship and later gain promotion. In terms of projects I’ve been
involved with, on a flight trial last year, we built new wiring harnesses and
jigs to test two systems which had never previously been tested or flown
together. The whole thing was a great success.
Have there been any other highlights of your time working
at Leonardo?
Absolutely! One of the biggest highlights of my time at
Leonardo was having the incredible honour of hosting the Prime Minister, Sir
Keir Starmer, at our Luton site.
During his visit, I had the privilege of welcoming him to
the site, giving him a tour of our facilities, introducing him to my amazing
team, and—most unexpectedly—presenting him live on national TV! It was an
unforgettable experience from start to finish.
As we walked through the site, I had the chance to share my
journey into engineering with him – how my apprenticeship has truly changed my
life, the exciting work I’m involved in at Leonardo, and my passion for STEM
outreach. At one point, we even deviated from the planned tour so I could
introduce him to my team – the people who have played significant roles to
support me in my development.
Then, with just five minutes’ notice, I was handed a
microphone and asked if I’d like to introduce the Prime Minister on live
television – an opportunity I absolutely couldn’t turn down. During his speech,
Sir Keir spoke about the vital role apprenticeships play and even mentioned
that he hopes his own son will pursue one.
As he was leaving, he encouraged me to keep sharing my
story, saying it could inspire more young people to follow a similar path. I
smiled and replied, “You’ll find it hard to get me to stop talking – my
apprenticeship has truly turned my life around.”
Seeing how proud my family, friends and colleagues were,
meant the world to me. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust Leonardo placed in
me and for the opportunity to represent not just the company, but apprentices
everywhere. It’s a moment I’ll never forget and a true highlight of my career.
What do you get up to outside of work?
My hobby is picking up new hobbies!
I love doing things that help improve my wellbeing, and I
recently have started going to more pilates and yoga classes at the gym. The
same people go to the classes every week and I have been able to make some
friends with similar interests. I like the feeling that I’m part of a little
community and I feel a sense of achievement after every class because I was
able to show up for myself. When I come out of the gym, I’m so chilled, so Zen.
I love it! I also enjoy spending time outdoors walking, hiking and surfing.
What are your future career aspirations?
I want to do something I enjoy. This could be as VP
Engineering, though I don’t really know what the job involves. I’d like to dip
my toe into management and see what it’s like. If I don’t become a VP or
similar level role, then I would definitely want to be a technical specialist.
