Original article published on Matchtech, with Innexia comment below.
https://www.matchtech.com/resources/how-the-LEAP-Programme-is-revolutionising-systems-engineering-training
The LEAP Programme is making waves in the UK engineering sector. Launched in early September 2024, this pioneering earn-while-you-learn initiative is set to tackle one of the country’s most pressing issues: the growing shortage of skilled systems engineers.
The LEAP Programme, developed through a partnership between Matchtech, Innexia, and the School of Systems Engineering (SOSE), has a clear objective—bridging the gap between supply and demand in the systems engineering sector. The programme offers individuals with engineering experience a unique opportunity to transition into a field where qualified professionals are in high demand. With over 20,000 open systems engineering roles across the UK last year alone, the need for skilled engineers has never been more urgent.
What Makes LEAP Stand Out?
The LEAP Programme isn’t just another training course. It’s a comprehensive, two-year experience designed to equip participants with hands-on skills, real-world projects, and expert mentorship. Participants are not only trained for immediate job placement but for long-term success in a field that is constantly evolving. The inclusion of 12 full-day transformational skills modules ensures a well-rounded, in-depth learning experience.
Upon completion, participants are presented with more than just a qualification—they are offered the chance to secure permanent roles within UK Industry. This provides stability and long-term career prospects in a sector critical to both national security and economic prosperity.
The Leap programme has been launched in collaboration with Global Security company, Leonardo who employee thousands of system engineers across their eight sites across the UK.
“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Matchtech, SOSE, and Innexia to launch the LEAP Programme,” says Craig Drysdale, UK VP of Talent & Engagement at Leonardo. “It’s a fantastic opportunity, particularly for those with military backgrounds, to gain the skills they need to excel in systems engineering. This programme will play a vital role in addressing the skills shortage in our industry, which is crucial to ensuring the security of our nation.”
From Military to Civilian Life: A Seamless Transition
One of the most distinctive aspects of the LEAP Programme is its focus on veterans. Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, but LEAP is designed to make that transition smoother. By offering a structured path into systems engineering—an industry that values veterans’ technical and leadership skills—the programme provides a meaningful and rewarding career option.
“It’s an innovative solution to the STEM skills gap,” says Aidan Wood, Defence & Security Director at Matchtech. “We recognise that the skills and experiences gained in the Armed Forces are incredibly valuable and transferable to systems engineering. LEAP is about equipping veterans and other professionals with the tools they need to succeed while contributing to a mission that goes beyond business—national security.”
However, the programme is not limited to veterans. LEAP is also helping Ministry of Defence contractors achieve the government’s target of having 8% of their workforce in earn-while-you-learn roles, part of a wider effort to develop homegrown talent in critical areas of defence and engineering.
A Strategic Solution to a National Problem
The need for skilled systems engineers has never been more acute, and the LEAP Programme offers a targeted solution. By upskilling individuals with relevant experience—particularly those with a military background—LEAP directly addresses the engineering talent shortage.
“At SOSE, our goal is to build new systems engineering capability using modern training methods,” explains Connor Miller, Director of SOSE. “This partnership allows us to create a programme that integrates technical training with people-focused transformation. We’re excited to be part of a solution that helps close the talent gap in the UK’s defence sector.”
LEAP is more than just a programme to fill jobs—it’s about creating a pipeline of highly skilled professionals who will strengthen the UK’s competitive edge in the global engineering market.
The First Cohort—and Beyond
This month, the first cohort of Trainee Systems Engineers began their journey at Leonardo, kicking off what promises to be a highly successful programme. With applications still open for October and November intakes, there are plenty of opportunities for experienced engineers—and particularly veterans—to get involved.
As the UK’s engineering industry faces one of its most significant talent shortages in decades, the LEAP Programme provides a fresh, forward-thinking solution. For those seeking a new career path, and for an industry in need of skilled professionals, LEAP may well be the answer.
So, why wait? The next step in your career—and the future of systems engineering in the UK—could begin with LEAP.
Innexia says …
Over the past few years, Innexia has been working with Matchtech and the School of Systems Engineering to create a way of bringing more skilled people into defense systems engineering. Simply put, the current supply of graduates is not sufficinet to meet the defence, or other industry, needs in systems engineering. The Leap partnership created a way of bring skilled people into defence engineering, who would otherwise have been working in roles less critical for the UK to maintain its defence soverignity. Leap has been designed to be a ‘minimum viable product’ that helps defence industry immediately. In the following years the Leap will be scaled to accommodate many more skilled people moving into defence engineering and will also be matured to allow the technical resourcing issues in defence to be solved.
There is much work to be done before the future incarnations of Leap are launched. For now the total focus is on building success with Leonardo, who have been integral to tailoring the Leap programme to their needs and a joy to work with. Professional, innovative, responsive and fun, Leonardo are the perfect organisation for the first series of Leap cohorts of people to join.
Innexia is a business fully focussed in supporting Leonardo defence programme delivery through Leap and looks foward to learning from the skilled people in the cohorts to continuously improve the product.
