Helicopter firm’s degree apprentices hope for career take off
Employees at the UK’s leading helicopter manufacturer will be looking to reach new heights in their careers after successfully completing a degree apprenticeship at the University of Exeter.
A total of 11 employees from Leonardo Helicopters studied for a Digital and Technology Solutions Master’s Degree Apprenticeship and have now graduated.
The two-year programme saw the apprentices balance their day-to-day roles with postgraduate study as they developed skills in areas such as business and change management, data analysis and visualisation, data engineering, data in business and society, machine learning, and management and leadership in technology.
In a recent celebration event, employees from across the firm gathered to hear about the apprentices’ learning journey and the value their new skills can bring to their company, with senior figures praising the commitment the apprentices have shown to their professional development.
Dario Iannucci, Head of Digital Transformation and Sustainability at Leonardo Helicopters, said: “The successful completion of this apprenticeship by this cohort represents a significant achievement for both the individuals involved and Leonardo Helicopters UK. The projects presented during the celebration event demonstrated not only academic excellence but also tangible business impact.
“Our partnership with University of Exeter has enabled colleagues to develop advanced skills while delivering meaningful improvements across the organisation. We congratulate all participants on their success and look forward to supporting their continued professional growth.”
Dan Hallam, Head of Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter, said: “What stands out about this cohort is the way they have acted as a bridge between university research and industry practice. Through their apprenticeship, they have engaged with leading academic thinking in areas such as data, digital transformation and technology leadership, and then applied those insights directly in their daily roles within Leonardo.
“The result is not just individual professional development, but the transfer of new knowledge, fresh perspectives and innovative approaches into the workplace. These apprentices exemplify how apprenticeships can help organisations build the capability they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”
Find out more about degree apprenticeships at the University of Exeter here.
