A career transformation at Leonardo
The Operations-to-Engineering programme aims to enhance career mobility at Leonardo by enabling employees in operational roles to transition into engineering. In partnership with WithYouWithMe (WYWM), this initiative identifies untapped potential through aptitude and psychometric assessments and fosters inclusion by prioritising employees’ natural abilities and enthusiasm to learn over traditional qualifications.
Jason Short, a Manufacturing Technician at Leonardo, had always aspired to become an engineer but lacked opportunities for progression.
“Becoming an engineer has always been my main goal. However, at the other companies I’ve worked for, I haven’t had the opportunity to do this. That is why this programme is such an amazing chance for me to achieve this goal with support from Leonardo to develop the skills I need.”
When he first discovered the programme, he saw it as the chance he had been waiting for. The clear pathway and supportive learning experience offered the perfect opportunity to pursue his ambitions. But beyond that, he wanted to prove to his daughter that setbacks don’t determine your future. He wanted to show her that struggling in school or making mistakes doesn’t mean you can’t follow your dreams. By taking this step, he aimed to set an example, demonstrating that perseverance and self-belief can unlock possibilities you never imagined. Encouraged by his wife he applied, despite his initial doubts about his qualifications.
The process
WYWM’s aptitude and psychometric assessments identify employees’ cognitive strengths and learning potential, making career transitions accessible regardless of academic background.
“I didn’t get the best grades in school, and I didn’t do well in college, and I thought this may hold me back. However, I applied to the Operations-to-Engineering programme and completed the testing and thankfully I did because I now have the chance to become an engineer. The aptitude and psychometric testing was fun to do, it gave me a great insight into what kind of person I am at work and outside of work; it highlighted my strengths and showed me what I would be good at.”
Following the assessment, candidates participate in a culture-fit interview, which Jason describes as ‘really relaxed’.
Three successful candidates, including Jason, are now set to begin their engineering training using WYWM’s training pathways (two candidates in software and one in firmware). This will be followed by a one-year secondment, with the intention of transitioning to permanent roles in these new career paths at Leonardo.
“Of course I was nervous, as most people are with interviews, but I didn’t feel any pressure at all. The people interviewing me made me feel at ease and I was able to give honest and truthful answers to the questions. They were great, it really was one of the best interviews I have been involved in.”
For Jason, the emphasis on resilience and ambition rather than technical qualifications, allowed him to showcase his enthusiasm and problem-solving mindset.
