At Leonardo, we have a fantastic new opportunity for an Aerospace Manufacturing Composites Apprentice (Level 3). Leonardo is a global high-tech company and one of the key players in Aerospace, Defence and Security.
Headquartered in Italy, Leonardo has over 45,000 employees, of which 7,000 are based in the UK. As one of the leading helicopter manufacturers in the world, Leonardo Helicopters is part of the multi-national Leonardo Group of world class engineering companies.
Leonardo Helicopters designs, develops and manufactures an unrivalled range of the most advanced helicopters, rotary wing technology, also developing mission and performance critical systems. Our helicopters are used extensively in civil and military roles worldwide. Primary operations are in the UK, Italy, Poland and the USA.
Programme Description
Our Aerospace Manufacturing Composites apprenticeship is suited for those who are interested in the practical (hands-on) elements of engineering.
Over the duration of the scheme you will have the opportunity to rotate across a number of placements, based within the Dynamics Composites Centre (DCC) department, which is the area that manufactures blades for many of the Leonardo Helicopter aircraft, including military, civil and VVIP aircraft. The ultimate aim of the scheme is to move you into a final placement area based on the skills displayed during the apprenticeship.
What you will do:
The apprenticeship will start with an Induction into Leonardo, as well as a Yeovil College Induction to ensure that apprenticeship requirements and expectations are fully established.
The structure of the Apprenticeship programme will be as follows:
• Year 1: Full time at Yeovil College to complete a Level 2 competence qualification in Aerospace and Aviation Engineering (practical/workshop based) and a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (knowledge/classroom based). There will also be some Enrichment activity during this year. Post-Christmas, there is a possibility of working on-site in your placement at Leonardo Helicopters for 1 day a week.
• Year 2: Work placements at Leonardo Helicopters (4 days per week) and starting the Level 3 competence (work related) qualification in Aerospace Manufacturing. Attend Yeovil College (1 day per week) to start the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering qualification (this qualification includes mathematics to AS/A2 level).
• Year 3: Work placements at Leonardo Helicopters (4 days per week) and continuing the Level 3 competence qualification in Aerospace Manufacturing. Attend Yeovil College (1 day per week) to continue the BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering qualification.
• Year 4: Work placements at Leonardo Helicopters (5 days per week) and completing the Level 3 competence qualification in Aerospace Manufacturing.
Each Apprentice on this route will need to complete an End Point Assessment as defined in the Apprenticeship Standard, this will take place in the final months of the program.
Throughout the apprenticeship, apprentices may be placed in some or all of the following departmental areas within DCC:
• Clean room: The manufacture of the majority of the blade products is completed in this area (including the blade spar, which is the main structural component of the blade)
• Repairs: The area that deals with the in-service products, the blades come in from working aircraft that require maintenance or repair (this can be from general wear and tear or from battle damage)
• Non Destructive Test (NDT): The testing of the blades through the use of non-destructive test methods is covered in this placement
• Inspection: The Inspection of completed processes/tasks against the requirements of the Leonardo Engineering standards
• DCC Quality Control (QC): This department is responsible for the audit of DCC process compliance, and the Investigation of any product/process non-compliance that may occur.
Qualifications required
4 GCSEs at a minimum of a C/4 (including Maths*, English and Science). These grades are non-negotiable. *Note – due to the course content, a higher tier C in Maths is recommended
Desired skills
• Thirst for continuous improvement
• Eye for detail
• Pro activity
• Adaptability
• Good communication skills (written & verbal)
• Good IT skills
Personal qualities:
• Organisation and prioritisation skills
• Industry experience beneficial (but not essential)
• Tenacity, fresh thinking & enthusiasm
• Analytical Mind
• A strong team player
• Conscientious & keen to learn
Life at Leonardo
With a company funded benefits package, a commitment to learning and development, and a flexible approach to working hours focused on the needs of both our employees and customers, a career with Leonardo has never offered as many opportunities or been more accessible to as many people.
Please note that in order to apply for this opportunity you must be eligible for UK Security Clearance. Normally this is to the level of Security Check (typically known as “SC”) for our business which includes having a minimum of five years permanent residency in the UK.
At Leonardo, we are strongly committed to supporting all our people, and, as society and the environment we work in changes, our approach to Inclusion and Diversity continues to evolve and adapt to reflect this. A culture of inclusion goes on to create an environment for greater collaboration, innovation and opportunities to develop as an organisation. If you are willing and able to commit to giving your best performance, you will find Leonardo a very rewarding place to work!
