Our award-winning approach

Leonardo's inspirational work to encourage the next generation of talent was recognised with the 'Developing the Young Workforce' prize at the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce (ECC) Awards in February 2019.

Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) is a seven-year programme (2014-2021) funded by Scottish Government which aims to better prepare children and young people up to the age of 18 for the world of work. The programme builds on the foundations already in place through Curriculum for Excellence and aims to reduce youth unemployment by 40% by 2021. It has found that significant leaps forward in vocational awareness can be achieved by industry engaging directly with schools, to give them a practical understanding of the world of work. This led to the creation of their special ‘Developing the Young Workforce’ prize at the ECC Awards, to acknowledge those who have excelled in increasing children's aspirations and career awareness.

Leonardo's award builds upon the Investors in Young People Gold Award, which also acknowledged the company's outstanding work to engage and develop talent, and bring on the next generation of engineers.

The ECC Award was received on behalf of the business by apprentices and dedicated STEM Ambassadors Scott Leslie, Olivia Burley and Ewan Logan.

Speaking about the award win, Allan Colquhoun, University Liaison & Emerging Technologies Manager, said: "It was very satisfying to win this award for Developing the Young Workforce, recognising the contribution of our apprentices as we helped shape the DYW programme and sit on the Regional Board which links schools, colleges and employers to give every young person a positive destination from school. All those who support our STEM activities and educational outreach should be congratulated for their contribution. Although we couldn't fit all of you on the stage last night, the prize is shared by all of you just the same."