The background
Leidos is a leading science and technology solutions provider operating across some of the most complex and high-stakes environments in the world. With ambitious plans to grow its early-career talent pipeline and address skills gaps across its tech teams, the business needed a partner that could deliver quality, diversity and long-term value.
The challenge
Leidos UK had begun the process of strengthening its early-career recruitment and training programmes. The goal was to identify skills gaps within the organisation, ensure new hires were given the best possible start to their careers, and build talent schemes that could keep pace with the evolving demands of the business.
Traditional graduate routes weren’t delivering the breadth or diversity of talent Leidos needed. They were looking for something different.
The solution
Leidos partnered with La Fosse Academy on a pilot hiring programme, taking on Associates trained and ready to contribute from day one.
The partnership worked because both organisations share the same ambitions. La Fosse Academy is built on the belief that talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn’t. By removing financial barriers and recruiting from a wide range of backgrounds, we attract people that conventional hiring misses. Our curriculum is designed around techniques over tools, producing commercially ready Associates who can adapt quickly to the demands of the businesses they join.
For Leidos, that meant access to a diverse, capable cohort aligned with their values and ready to grow within the organisation.
The result
Leidos hired 37 La Fosse Academy Associates into their tech teams, with plans to expand the partnership further and make it a primary source of early-career talent going forward.
To deepen the relationship, Leidos launched a mentorship scheme pairing Associates with experienced Leidos tech professionals, giving them the industry guidance and support to thrive in their careers long term.
“We are proud of our work in partnership with La Fosse Academy that is helping us radically address skills and diversity needs in our tech teams, while giving these people a fast track for success in our company and their wider careers.”
Silka Patel, Social Value Manager, Leidos
