“The idea of the unit is very simple,” says Roberto Gentilucci. “It acts like a hub for technical skills development. It’s about investing in our people so that every helicopter we produce on behalf of our customers meets the very highest quality standards.”

Gentilucci is responsible for the unit, which operates in functional co-ordination with the HR&O – Learning and Training Department, and is located located on site just a few steps away from Vergiate’s Final Assembly Line (FAL). Having launched in 2025, it offers a mix of theoretical learning in a classroom setting and hands-on instruction. There’s a laboratory area for practical assignments, while the unit also houses the AW139 prototype number 4, minus blades – one of the earliest examples from the infancy of the AW139 programme. The aircraft has been repurposed to provide a real-world testbed, a focal point for technicians to hone their skills and learn new techniques.

“The unit is designed to support the development of people right across the operations organisation, including all our Centres of Excellence and different geographies, not just the team here in Vergiate,” explains Gentilucci. “It made sense for us to start with the FAL operations, but the concept is to provide a hub that serves the whole company.”

Traditionally, technicians in the aerospace sector have followed distinct pathways – focusing on mechanical, electrical or structural specialisms, for example. The unit takes a different approach. “To serve our customers better, we need to deliver the highest quality at every stage of the production and assembly process, while also improving our efficiency and productivity to meet ongoing strong demand for our helicopters.

“So, rather than thinking in terms of disciplines such as electrical or mechanical, we are developing a team of aeronautical operators in the broader sense, with a wider mix of skills. For the individual, it provides a grounding in new disciplines and from the company perspective, we have greater flexibility to maximise the productivity and efficiency of our operations in support of customers.”

Mapping the skills needed

Courses are overseen by an experienced team of trainers. Although training is often delivered on site in Vergiate, the trainers also travel to other Leonardo Helicopters facilities to deliver practical sessions: “We have teams travelling to our sites at Frosinone and Tessera to work directly with technicians there,” says Gentilucci.

One of the most challenging aspects of developing a comprehensive teaching syllabus has been to create a skills matrix that links to every step of the helicopter assembly process. Every operation is documented in a step-by-step manual with students undertaking a balance of practical and theoretical learning.

Reaching the next generation

A second strand of the unit’s work is to collaborate with schools and universities, giving young people a taste of a career in the aerospace sector. The team works in partnership with high schools, technical colleges and universities to offer a range of placements and internships.

“We know that there is strong long-term demand for skilled technicians within our own business and in the wider sector,” says Gentilucci. “By engaging with students in different age groups, we’re encouraging a pipeline of future talent and helping young people understand more about the work we do here and the skills needed.

Viewpoints

Roberto Gentilucci

“I firmly believe that in today’s ever-evolving world of work, we must never stop learning and growing. Continuous development is not just important—it is a powerful driver of our company’s success and competitiveness.

“Beyond the work here in Vergiate, we are also providing training to the other Italian Final Assembly Lines in Tessera and Frosinone. We’re working to establish focal points and trainers for each FAL. The same approach will be applied across other sites and geographies.”

Trainer: Adriano Ferrazzetta

“I have a background as a Department Manager, leading a team of approximately 220 operators, most of whom were young people.

“The role of a trainer carries a great deal of responsibility. It involves working closely with people and therefore requires an understanding of natural differences, as well as the ability to recognise individual aptitudes and personalities.

“The most rewarding aspect for me is seeing the students progress on their journey within the company, well integrated and working independently—while also demonstrating professional growth.”

Technician/student: Matteo Squillante

“I completed a one-month training programme covering various disciplines, both theoretical and practical, which enabled me to fully prepare for the role and enter the aeronautical field with confidence. It was clear that the company truly values training – investing time and resources in us as new hires.

“During the training period, we took part in several tours across the company with our instructors, who showed us the entire production flow. Personally, I found this highly motivating, as it helped me understand the complexity of the environment I am part of.”

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