Learn how a global leader bridges today’s digital skills gap.

Leonardo Technologies is a global leader in defence, aerospace and security. This giant of engineering and management consulting has an insatiable appetite for talent. But in a world where demand far outstrips the skill supply, Leonardo has been forced to adopt a radical approach to bridging the digital talent gap.

This is the inside story…

Shifting focus to a skills-first approach.

Leonardo has partnered with a pioneer of data-led, skills-based, workforce solutions…

‘WithYouWithMe’ (WYWM) has developed a ‘skills-first’ approach that is profoundly different from traditional selection processes. Rather than concentrate on someone’s previous job titles and qualifications, WYWM focuses on current and potential skillsets. This liberating approach uses aptitude testing and talent mapping to develop a taxonomy that defines the essential skills and competences for all roles, at all levels.

Leonardo was quick to see the value of this thinking. By looking at future potential, not past experience, Leonardo could make skill-based hiring decisions that eliminate traditional selection biases. The company could turn ‘latent’ into ‘talent’ by giving people equal opportunity to upskill…this was not just self-improving and empowering, but it had a truly positive impact on talent retention.

And there is clear evidence to prove it. Leonardo has used the WYWM ‘Potential’ platform to find and hire talent from previously overlooked pools. Being heavily involved in the defence sector, they saw a natural synergy in expanding their cyber security workforce by supporting military leavers – among other groups – into meaningful employment. So, in 2022, Leonardo pledged to join an initiative that calls upon UK employers to provide digital career opportunities for Armed Forces veterans and their families.

Accelerating jobs for deserving, but under-served, communities.

Leonardo began by identifying five key roles within their cyber and security business. All were roles that a ‘squad’ of individuals from WYWM’s talent pools could fill. Under this ‘squad’ model, individuals are hired on a temporary-to-permanent basis. The WYWM programme offers them a workforce placement for one year before transitioning into permanent positions.

For every squad member hired, WYWM can also fund another 10 individuals from under-represented groups to be digitally trained, certified, and given access to meaningful career opportunities. This is a genuine win-win initiative.

After identifying role requirements including aptitude, skills and culture-fit, Leonardo and WYWM hosted a ‘Job Accelerator’ event to connect directly with the ‘Potential’ platform’s user community. Typically hosted online, Job Accelerators enable organisations to introduce themselves, outline their mission and provide in-depth information about the opportunities available.

Following the event, a substantial number of candidates expressed interest in Leonardo and participated in culture-fit interviews. Those selected to join the cyber ‘squad’ completed WYWM’s Cyber Training Course (fully accredited by GCHQ) before being deployed into the organisation.

This is how Dean Fortt – Head of HR at Leonardo Cyber & Security UK – summarised the scheme’s value:

“The UK Government’s 2022 report shows there is a critical lack of cyber skills within the industry. And this gap is growing year-on-year. The WYWM platform formalises and digitalises the approach we have been taking over recent year – but with the added benefit of directly sourcing diverse candidates from under-represented, and largely untapped, talent pools. This platform enables us to implement more equitable hiring practices that consider culture and aptitude, rather than solely focusing on experience.”

Fostering diverse teams to strengthen security.

Leonardo is now building on the success of WYWM’s enlightened approach…

Leveraging the new skills framework, the company is creating more streamlined pathways for an even broader range of talents. By upscaling continuous training and improving mobility, management is looking to place additional ‘squads’ across multiple lines of business within the UK. This is calculated to widen opportunities to include new engineering and cyber security related disciplines. And perhaps even more importantly, it is fostering a higher level of creativity and strategic problem-solving…vital to staying ahead of constantly evolving cyber threats.

For all companies attempting to close the digital skills gap, judging people on their potential – not their past – is a lesson worth learning.

To learn more about WYWM’s unique approach, please contact me for more insights and a personal introduction to this remarkable company. Robert Baldock on 07768 402131 or robert.baldock@clustre.net