“We continue to raise awareness of Yeovil’s significance in the defence of the realm”

Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO of Leonardo in the UK, who started his career as an apprentice at the Leonardo’s helicopters site in Yeovil, delivered a compelling address to assembled MPs at the Houses of Parliament.

Clive described Leonardo’s groundbreaking innovation that has not only boosted British manufacturing, but brought strength to the industrial roots of the South West through high quality jobs and long term social mobility.

Clive said about what the Yeovil site can offer: “Following the official recognition last August of Yeovil as ‘the Home of British helicopters’, we are continuing to raise awareness of the significance of the town in the defence of the realm and our vital onshore industry role.

“Not enough people are aware of Yeovil’s vital contribution to British aerospace history, or its modern-day position at the heart of our national defence. By drawing attention at events like this, we are helping to secure its future as a proud champion of British engineering and advanced manufacturing.”

Clive continued: “Leonardo in Yeovil represents an established onshore base of high-end skills and direct, long-term investment into the UK – through our supply chain, our people, and our world-leading aircraft.”

Speaking at the Houses of Parliament, Clive spoke to an audience of MPs, which included Chris Loder (West Dorset) and Marcus Fysh (Yeovil) as well as Sarah Dyke MP (Somerton and Frome), Maria Eagle MP, Shadow Minister for Defence, and members from across Leonardo’s supply chain.

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Clive was joined by Mark Bolton, CEO & Principal of Yeovil College, who described the long partnership established with Leonardo as well as the importance of skills and innovative technology throughout the region.

Rt Hon Justine Greening of This is Purpose also raised how Leonardo can enact social mobility through “one life at time”, a real-life example captured by Leonardo trainee, Freya Woollett.

Freya is in her third year of a mechanical engineering apprenticeship at Leonardo in Yeovil and she spoke at the event on how she ended up joining the company to explore an engineering career.

Freya said: “A friend of mine worked as an apprentice at Leonardo’s Basildon site and explained the different career paths in engineering and all the apprenticeship opportunities available to me.

“All thanks to the outreach from the company I discovered Leonardo and the work they do. When I was considering my future career goals I was inspired by their reputation for innovation, rich history and excellence in the aerospace industry… [The company] provides a unique learning experience and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals, I immediately knew it would be the best place to start my career.”