International defence company Leonardo is recruiting for 200 roles in Newcastle after opening an office in the city centre to take advantage of local talent.
The Rome-based firm already employs about 8,000 people in the UK and has a range of contracts supplying the Ministry of Defence, including military helicopters and components for RAF aircraft. Its newest base, within Newcastle Helix's The Spark building will be home to research and development for its advanced military technology.
The firm has been supported by inward investment body Invest Newcastle, part of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative, which said Leonardo will benefit from closeness to Newcastle University, the UK National Innovation Centre for Data and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (Dstl).
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Clive Higgins, chair and CEO of Leonardo UK, said: "The UK’s defence and aerospace industry is an engine for economic growth, prosperity and security, representing world-class research and technology and many thousands of well-paid jobs and amazing career opportunities for young people entering the workforce. Leonardo already employs over 8,000 people in the UK and our new site in Newcastle will allow us to expand even further, drawing on science and engineering skills from the North East region in order to develop the next generation of digitally-led technologies.
"With a track record in providing hundreds of quality early careers scheme places around the country each year, Leonardo’s new site in Newcastle will generate a wealth of opportunities for young people in the area. The skilled, well paid, high technology jobs that will be created by Leonardo in the North East are the kind of employment that will help address regional inequality, ensuring that the whole of Britain can enjoy a prosperous future."
Leonardo is involved in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), an initiative from the UK, Italy and Japan to produce a sixth generation fighter jet that will go into service in 2035. The firm has estimated it can generated £185m of economic benefit for the region over the next 10 years.
Jennifer Hartley, director of Invest Newcastle, said: "This significant investment from Leonardo represents a major boost for the city’s burgeoning defence and aerospace sector that will add millions of pounds to the local economy. This investment is testament to the strength of our eco-system, research strengths and ability to attract and retain the best talent.
"Between the 200 jobs being created by Leonardo and the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) becoming operational on Newcastle Helix, we now have a nationally significant defence cluster that will drive further investment, innovation, and good jobs at all levels for our region’s residents. We look forward to continuing our work and support with Leonardo over the coming months to maximise the impact of this investment for local communities."
You can find more information about Leonardo jobs here.
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