A security company has launched a programme to reskill ex-military personnel.

Leonardo's LEAP scheme aims to help former armed forces members transition into systems engineering roles across the UK.

The initiative, which began in September, is in partnership with three companies: Matchtech, the School of System Engineers (SOSE), and Innexia.

Matchtech will handle talent sourcing and programme management, SOSE will provide technical engineering training, and Innexia will focus on soft skills training. The first group of recruits started as trainee systems engineers at Leonardo sites in Southampton, Bristol, and Luton.

Leonardo, which has a site in First Avenue, Millbrook, has stated that more groups will be recruited in the future.

Systems engineers are crucial to many of Leonardo's large programmes, including Typhoon, the Global Combat Air Programme, and Falcon Shield.

They create system architectures that form the framework for developing solutions, essentially acting as the 'nerve system' of the technology.

Aidan Wood, defence and security director at Matchtech, who helped develop the LEAP programme, said he has a personal investment in the partnership due to his father's military background.

The two-year development programme offers trainees the chance to secure a permanent full-time position at Leonardo upon completion.

The company stated that the programme aims to put ex-military personnel on a fast track to becoming systems engineers.

Craig Drysdale, VP of HR at Leonardo said: "We’re very excited about this new partnership, as we have observed over the years that ex-serving personnel bring a built-in understanding of the end-user perspective, something that we’re passionate about as a Company because our technology protects the armed forces around the globe. 

"They often demonstrate a deep commitment to delivery and a sense of ownership and responsibility, which means they follow through on projects. LEAP lets us address so many different dimensions of employee talent management and development within a short timeframe, so we anticipate that it will allow us to advance at a rapid pace while paying attention to quality training and support."