Manufacturing Apprentice

Leonardo offers a range of Apprenticeships from 3-4 years across a variety of STEM and business routes, offering paid training, coupled with on-the-job learning that enables you to gain practical skills, experience and knowledge that sets up the best start to your career. We offer a competitive entry salary of £17,850 and fully support your academic learning through to qualifications, with salary increases as you progress.

The opportunity: We support helping you settle into your new location ensuring you are familiar with the team and have a warm welcome from day 1. You will initially spend 6 months at college, moving to day release for the remainder of your programme. There is a member of our Early Careers team at each site, helping you progress, ensuring your study time is protected, enabling access to digital learning as well as opportunities to get involved with the local community and STEM projects, enhancing many aspects of each programme.

Values and expectations: Leonardo values people that look to always develop throughout their career and along with an eager willingness to learn, a successful apprenticeship with us involves a drive to deliver results, sometimes from your own initiative, a patience for problem solving, as well as a need to comply with safety instructions and clear process compliance at all times. We view commitment to programme and learning objectives very highly.

Programme Description: You will be working within world-class facilities. During your apprenticeship, you will be working in a dynamic Manufacturing environment. Leonardo’s Three-year Manufacturing Apprenticeship provides a wealth of learning and development opportunities including an NC in Engineering, SVQ level 2 (PEO) and SVQ L3 - Diploma in Engineering. Working with world-leading specialists, you will increase your technical skills, capability and develop your academic and practical understanding of the Manufacturing lifecycle.

You will undertake a series of rotational placements – These could include Mechanical Assembly, Electromechanical Assembly, Electro Optic Assembly, Environmental Facility, Logistics, Manufacturing Engineering, Machine Shop and Repairs – that will springboard you into the world of manufacturing and teach you how to build and test industry-leading radar, laser systems, microwave modules and legacy products. You’ll experience how we manage the flow of material through our supply chain and how we ensure the process is as efficient as possible.

Key Responsibility Areas:

• Years 1 and 2: During your first six months you will be attending college full time to complete an SVQ Level 2. Once back on site, you will conduct rotational placements where you will gather real work evidence such as written logs describing day-to-day tasks completed and highlighting the key manufacturing competencies you have demonstrated. The Diploma will require you to complete a portfolio of evidence, demonstrating your development into a well-rounded manufacturer through on-the-job training and gaining essential practical skills to succeed. During this time, you will also be attending college on day release to gain the academic qualifications required by the Apprenticeship framework.
• Year 3: Having gained broad experience across Leonardo, you will undertake a final placement, with on-the-job training being more focused on a particular discipline. On successful completion of your 3-year Manufacturing programme you will achieve an NC Engineering and an EAL Diploma in Engineering SCQF Level 7.

Who would suit this role? Leonardo values people that look to always develop throughout their career and along with an eager willingness to learn, a successful apprenticeship with Leonardo involves a drive to deliver results, sometimes from your own initiative, patience and problem solving as well as a need to comply with safety and process compliance at all times. We also view dependability to the programme and learning objectives very highly.

Skills, Qualifications & Knowledge Required:

• 4 National 5 (A-C) or equivalent
• Mandatory: Mathematics/Application of Maths or Physics & English
• Plus, another two subjects, preferably technological subjects e.g. Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing, Woodwork, Metalwork etc.

Note: This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has little engineering knowledge and is NOT suitable for candidates who already have an NC/Foundation Apprenticeship in technical/engineering.

Security Clearance: This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, this could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).

Why join us: At Leonardo, our people are at the heart of everything we do, key contributors in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety. We offer a comprehensive, company-funded benefits package that supports your wellbeing, career development, and work–life balance. Whether you’re looking to grow professionally, care for your health, or plan for the future, we’re here to help you thrive.

• Time to recharge: Enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi-days each year.
• Secure your future: Benefit from our award-winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
• Your wellbeing matters: Free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee-led networks championing inclusion and diversity.
• Rewarding performance: All employees are eligible for our bonus scheme.
• Join in our success: Our annual Employee Stock Ownership Plan provides you the opportunity to own shares in Leonardo.
• Tailored perks: Spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.

We are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people, communities and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Be part of something bigger – apply now!

Primary Location: GB - Edinburgh

Contract Type: Fixed term

Hybrid Working: Onsite