Design Engineering Graduate Apprentice

Leonardo UK Ltd; Easter Howgate; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering company in the UK is seeking a Design Engineering Graduate Apprentice for a four-year program. This opportunity offers a mix of work-based learning and academic study at the University of Strathclyde, with a starting salary of £21,525. Successful candidates will rotate through various engineering functions while developing vital skills. Ideal candidates should have higher grades in Mathematics and Physics, and a passion for engineering and innovation.

Benefits

Generous leave with flexi-days

Pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution

Mental health support and financial advice

Annual bonus scheme

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Flexible benefits up to £500 annually

Qualifications

• 4 Higher Grades (or equivalent) required including Mathematics and Physics.
• Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: (A-C) in English.
• No prior engineering degree required.

Responsibilities

• Rotate around different engineering functions.
• Design, manufacture, and support advanced avionic equipment.
• Complete a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design & Manufacture.

Skills

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Initiative

Education

4 Higher Grades (or equivalent): BBBB

Mathematics

Physics or a Technology subject

English and another STEM subject

Job description

Job Description

Design Engineering Graduate Apprentice

The Opportunity

Leonardo offers a range of Apprenticeships from 2‑4 yrs. 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 competitive entry salaries and fully support your academic learning through to qualifications, with salary increases as you progress.

We support helping you settle in to your new location ensuring you are familiar with the team and have a warm welcome from day 1.

There is a member of our Apprentice 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, enhance many aspects of each programme.

Leonardo’s four‑year Design Engineering Graduate Apprenticeship scheme in Edinburgh is looking for people who understand the importance of communication, who are able to work well as part of a team and also on their own initiative. You will have the drive and commitment to work through difficult problems to find the right engineering solutions.

Role description

You will study at the University of Strathclyde for completion of a BEng (Hons) in Engineering: Design & Manufacture through a mixture of work‑based learning, distance learning and day release at University. On completion you should have met the requirements for Incorporated Engineer as part of the way to gaining Chartered Engineer status.

We need people who understand the importance of our customers and are ready to commit to working in the business, whilst also committing to a 4‑year degree programme. At the end of the programme, you will work as a highly qualified member of our Engineering community in a discipline such as electronics, test and systems engineering.

Key Responsibilities Areas

During the first two years of your employment, you will be required to spend up to one day a month at University. Leonardo also gives 2 days a week to work towards your academic studies.

At Leonardo you will:

• Rotate around different Engineering hiring functions
• Learn how to design, manufacture and support advanced avionic equipment
• Develop Engineering knowledge, skills and behaviours
• Practice the full engineering lifecycle

In Year3 & 4

You will specialise in one of the Engineering Disciplines covered in your rotations.

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, 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 the programme and learning objectives very highly.

Qualifications

4 Higher Grades (or equivalent): BBBB

Mandatory: Mathematics AND Mandatory: Physics or a Technology subject

Preferred: English and another STEM subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing, Woodwork, Metalwork etc.

AND

Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: (A‑C) in English

The starting salary for this role is £21,525

Note: This Apprenticeship assumes the candidate has little professional engineering experience and is NOT suitable for candidates who already have an engineering related degree.

Note: SAAS funding from English apprentices moving to Scotland must have residency in Scotland before 1st August 2024.

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). For more information and guidance please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting

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 (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
• 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.

For a full list of our company benefits please visit: https://careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/company-benefits

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