Luton apprentices describe STEM as a shield of national security at Parliament

Peter (pictured left) works at Leonardo in Luton at Capability Green.

placeholder image — Peter (pictured left) works at Leonardo in Luton at Capability Green.

This week apprentices working at global aerospace company Leonardo briefed MPs on why they believe STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) should be reframed from its typical classification as a ‘class room subject’ to a primary driver of the UK’s future national security.

The ADS industry event saw apprentices from Leonardo’s Luton and Basildon sites meet with local MPs who included Rachel Hopkins, MP for Luton South and South Bedfordshire and Alex Baker, MP for Aldershot at the Houses of Parliament.

Among those present was a multiple Leonardo ‘Apprentice of the Year’ award winning Software Degree Apprentice Peter Metcalfe, who works at the Leonardo site in Luton and recently returned from a high-level placement with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL). His work there sat at the cutting-edge of aerospace technology, exploring the potential application of neuromorphic computing in defence. Neuromorphology is the application of brain-inspired structures and functionality to develop advanced software and AI.

Peter is channelling all he learned during his placement into his exciting work in the laboratories at Leonardo in the UK, to hone future facing technology to create protective new electronics systems for aircraft.

Luton apprentices were amongst the young people who travelled from across the UK to attend the event.

The conversations with MPs centred around a single, powerful theme. In 2026, the future of the UK’s national security will be nurtured by apprentices acquiring new skills today.

Peter said: “I think it was interesting to talk about STEM as it relates our national security, rather than a subject you learn at school. It was great to see that the MPsseemed interested in learning about the connection between STEM at school and industry and how that develops into innovating new technologies. I think it would be helpful if more young people understood the direct link between STEM and the future technological shields we are creating for national security.”

Oliver Tatlow, Systems Engineering Degree Apprentice said: "The work that we get exposed to allows us to combine academic knowledge with real world application, a significant advantage over other routes. Gaining valuable experience as a Systems Engineering Degree Apprentice has allowed me to understand the integration and entire lifecycle of products, which when combined with my studies in Electrical Engineering, has allowed my problem solving ability to develop far beyond engineering applications only. Leonardo has provided the opportunity to apply and evolve my skills across business functions too, working with our government affairs team in incredibly different work applications, but using the same set of problem solving skills learnt through my course. "

The parliamentary visit is part of Leonardo’s broader commitment to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, bridging the gap between early career talent and national policy makers. For more information on the span of Leonardo apprenticeship schemes available, please visit: Apprenticeships at Leonardo | Leonardo in the UK.