Southampton-based Leonardo has become the first aerospace company in the UK to receive the new Investors in Young People Gold award

The high-tech engineering firm, which has offices in Millbrook employees support an array of STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) engagement programmes to empower young people, including their annual Rampaging Chariot Robotic Games and International Women in Engineering Days, and mentoring.

Launched in 2014, IIYP is a framework that helps organisations recruit, develop and retain young people, supporting youth employment. It also seeks to recognise employers who already demonstrate excellence in recruiting and retaining young people.

In early 2015, Leonardo was the eighth company in the UK to be accredited with IIYP – more than 440 organisations have since been accredited across all award levels.

Alastair Morrison, Leonardo’s deputy managing Director UK said: “We recognise that young talent is our future. We know that we have to lay the groundwork now to create an environment where talent can thrive in the future. That means helping young people to believe in the power of their own creativity, giving them a sense of confidence about the transferrable skills that they could bring to industry. Our apprentices, graduates and engineers have made an enormous contribution to our Gold accreditation and I look forward to seeing how they will engage the next generation in the excitement of our industry.”