From Manufacturing to Software Engineering
Ricken’s story is one of seizing new opportunity. He initially started as a Manufacturing Engineer, where he was responsible for ensuring products were built in accordance with engineering drawings and overseeing stock controls. While he was proficient in his role, he harboured a strong desire to shift careers into software engineering. The problem? He didn’t have the technical skills or experience to make the change.
The Operations-to-Engineering Programme at Leonardo has been designed to support employees looking to transition from operational roles into engineering careers. In collaboration with WithYouWithMe (WYWM), this programme identifies potential through cognitive assessments, focusing on natural abilities and enthusiasm for learning over traditional qualifications. It’s a path for employees like Ricken, who have the passion and drive to move into the tech industry but may not have had the opportunity or resources to do so before.
For Ricken, this programme represented the perfect chance to pursue his dream of becoming a software engineer.
“My initial thoughts when I first learnt about this opportunity was that it was too good to be true! Once I had digested the information, I was really excited about this opportunity as it meant I could fulfil my aspiration of becoming a software engineer whilst continuing to work at Leonardo”
