What is it?

The Leonardo STEM Pathways - Leaders of Tomorrow programme is a unique opportunity for young females in S4–S6 to build skills, confidence, and connections that will support their next steps after school. Delivered in partnership between Developing the Young Workforce (DYW) Edinburgh, Midlothian & East Lothian and Leonardo, this programme combines personal development with exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at Leonardo’s Edinburgh site. ​

What's Involved?

Participants will take part in: 

• Personal Development Sessions to strengthen leadership, work-readiness, and wider employability skills. 

• Leonardo Live Experiences that bring the world of advanced engineering and technology to life. 

• Opportunities to learn from industry experts, explore STEM careers, and understand the pathways into exciting early careers at Leonardo. 

The programme aims to increase gender diversity in STEM and create positive, supported pathways into careers such as Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships with Leonardo. 

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for 30 young females who: ​​

Are currently in S4, S5, or S6 at a school within Edinburgh, Midlothian, East Lothian, West Lothian or Fife.

Are interested in careers in engineering, technology, or related STEM fields. 

Have, or are on track to achieve, the qualification levels needed for Leonardo’s STEM apprenticeship programmes (see details below). 

Apply Now

Applications open:

June 2026

Applications deadline:  ​

Friday 04 September 2026, 5pm

Programme dates:​

This programme takes place over five days - 05, 06, 12, 13 & 19 October 2026.​

Details:

Please note that to take part in this Leonardo programme, participants must have resided permanently in the UK for the past 5 years. ​

Apply Now

Entry Requirements

Check out the entry requirements for Leonardo's Graduate and Modern Apprenticeships by swiping through the tiles below:

Software Engineer
Graduate Apprenticeship

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You must have (as a minimum) the following qualifications:  ​

5 Higher Grades (or equivalent): BBBBC  ​

Mandatory: Mathematics (Not Application of Maths)  ​

Preferably including Physics and Computing 

National 5: (A-C) in English (or equivalent qualifications to Highers / Standard Grades).  ​

Manufacturing Technical
Graduate Apprenticeship

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You must have (as a minimum) the following qualifications:  ​

3 x Higher Grades (or equivalent): 

Mandatory: Mathematics (A-C) and Physics (A-C) or Engineering Science (A–C) (Not Application of Maths)  

Plus Another Higher subject, preferably a technological subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft& Design, Tech Studies, Computing etc. (A-C) (Not Application of Maths) 

Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: (A-C) in English

Engineering Design and Manufacture
Graduate Apprenticeship​

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You must have (as a minimum) the following qualifications:  ​

4 Higher Grades (or equivalent): BBBB  

Mandatory: Mathematics AND Physics or a Technology subject (Not Application of Maths)  

Preferred:  English and another STEM subject e.g.  Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing, Woodwork, Metalwork etc. (Not Application of Maths) 

Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5: (A-C) in English

Manufacturing
Modern Apprenticeship​

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You must have (as a minimum) the following qualifications:  ​

4 Standard Grades (1-3) / National 5 (A-C) or National 4 (or equivalent) 

Mandatory: Mathematics (Not Application of Maths) & English 

Plus another two subjects, preferably technological subjects e.g. Graphic Communication, Product Design, Craft & Design, Tech Studies, Computing, Woodwork, Metalwork etc

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