Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Leonardo UK and STEM Returners launch electronics engineering jobs scheme

Aerospace Defence

Leonardo UK and STEM Returners launch electronics engineering jobs scheme

Aerospace engineering firm Leonardo is teaming up with STEM Returners to further their commitment to improving diversity and inclusion across the industry.

Above: Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners.
Courtesy STEM Returners

Aerospace engineering firm Leonardo is teaming up with STEM Returners to further their commitment to improving diversity and inclusion across the industry.

Leonardo has launched a new 12-week returners’ programme at its Basildon and Luton sites, building on the success of their existing programmes in Southampton, Luton and Edinburgh.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

Nerys Thomas, Head of Inclusion and Diversity at Leonardo said: “We are trying to rotate our placements so we can offer opportunities in different locations at our sites across the UK so we can reach a wider population of STEM Returners. Last time we had roles in Southampton, Luton and Edinburgh, this time it is Basildon and Luton. There is a wealth of engineering talent in the UK and we are excited to see how their expertise could enrich our business.”

Hampshire-based company STEM Returners will source the candidates for the roles at the business, covering software, hardware, firmware and project engineering.

The fully paid placements aim to return or transfer experienced engineers back into industry following a career break, allowing candidates to be reintegrated into an inclusive environment.

Whilst the scheme helps solve the problem of sourcing talent in sectors that need it, it also has the added benefit of increasing diversity in a host organisation. STEM Returners’ population of experienced professionals who are attempting to return to work are 51% female and 38% from black and minority ethnic groups, compared to 10% female and 6% BME working in the STEM industry.

Natalie Desty, Director of STEM Returners said: “We are very proud to be continuing our work with Leonardo to return highly skilled people back into the industry they love. Only by partnering with industry leaders like Leonardo, will we make vital changes in STEM recruitment practices, to help those who are finding it challenging to return to the sector and improve diversity and inclusion.”

Rob Edmunds, Leonardo’s Head of Major Air Programmes Engineering Transformation said: “The STEM Returners organisation has a proven track record of bringing experienced and talented STEM professionals into our business, giving us the opportunity to nurture and develop their skills through a bespoke development plan. Previous cohorts have not only had the chance to succeed at Leonardo, their careers have thrived here. The next intake will be working on some of our most exciting technologies and projects, including the Future Combat Air System programme, Tempest. This is a once in a generation opportunity for individuals to contribute to the development of cutting edge sensors and technologies. We need bright, energetic individuals from diverse backgrounds to join our rapidly growing teams to deliver this capability."

There is a well-known skills shortage in the UK engineering industry but despite a clear need for people, there is a group of talented and educated professionals who are willing and able to take on these roles who are being overlooked.

In STEM Returners’ annual survey - The STEM Returners Index - 61% of STEM professionals on a career break say they are finding the process of attempting to return to work either difficult or very difficult and 36% of returners have felt bias in the recruitment process has been a barrier to them personally returning to their career.

STEM Returners’ programme aims to eliminate these barriers, by giving candidates real work experience and mentoring during their placement and helping them to seamlessly adjust to life back in work. In addition, Leonardo offers STEM Returners flexible working arrangements so that experienced engineers who often have family responsibilities can manage their commitments more easily.

Successful candidates may be offered full-time positions at Leonardo upon the completion of their 12-week placement. Since STEM Returners launched in 2017, more than 200 candidates STEM Returners have join programmes across the UK.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025

To view STEM Returners availabilities with Leonardo, click here .

 

 

 

 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Stansted unveils new brand

Aerospace

Stansted unveils new brand

4 July 2025

London Stansted Airport has unveiled a new brand as it continues to welcome record-breaking passenger numbers and progresses plans to increase capacity and transform the airport experience.

RTX

Aerospace

RTX's Collins Aerospace opens Wolverhampton facility

4 July 2025

RTX's Collins Aerospace has expanded its aircraft electrification capabilities with the introduction of a new engineering centre of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

Bristol Airport launches Supply Chain Sustainability Charter

Aerospace

Bristol Airport launches Supply Chain Sustainability Charter

4 July 2025

Bristol Airport has announced the launch of a new Supply Chain Sustainability Charter, designed to inspire and support more sustainable practices across its business supply chain.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT
Vertical Aerospace and Bristow expand AAM solutions

Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow expand AAM solutions

4 July 2025

Vertical Aerospace and Bristow are expanding their strategic partnership to bring advanced air mobility (AAM) into commercial operation.

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

Aerospace Defence Security

Airframe Designs aligns with US NCAMP standards

3 July 2025

Airframe Designs has aligned its material systems with the US National Centre for Advanced Materials Performance (NCAMP) which works with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and industry partners to support its existing testing processes.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025