Sponsored Editorial

Last year, BAE Systems announced a £40m contract to produce high-tech fighter pilot helmets for the RAF’s fleet of Typhoon fighter jets, which are on standby round-the-clock to defend and secure our nation.

The Striker® II helmet-mounted display is one of the world’s most advanced fighter helmets, displaying data directly onto the pilot’s helmet visor and providing an augmented reality of the real world alongside mission critical information right before their eyes.

The contract will create and sustain more than 200 highly skilled roles across BAE Systems, including at the Rochester site, which continues to grow for the future.

Harley signed up for BAE Systems’ level 3 technical apprenticeship after hearing a future colleague and STEM Ambassador deliver a talk on the company. Having completed his apprenticeship, he is one of the technicians helping to build the Striker II helmets.

Harley said, “I’ve always been interested in aircraft and the thought of working on avionics fascinated me. I had no idea that they were being developed and manufactured in my local area. I knew instantly that was what I wanted to do.”

“I’ve worked on lots of amazing technology since joining the company, but the coolest would have to be the Striker II helmet-mounted display. Building brand new assets that were used for risk reduction testing before qualification was pretty exciting.”

“Every day is different; I could be building a head-up display, carrying out a repair, or learning about new products. Plus, I’m currently working on new technology, which is set to further me in my career.”

“BAE Systems is a great company to work for, with plenty of opportunities for development. What’s more, the company culture is really positive – I feel supported by my manager and my peers and empowered to ask for help if I need it.”

Nigel Kidd is the director for helmet-mounted displays at BAE Systems in Rochester and is the mastermind behind Striker II, leading the team developing the helmet.

Nigel said, “I started out as an apprentice myself – I’m a strong believer in apprenticeships being a practical alternative to university education. It’s great to see our young workforce coming through and working on the technology that will protect RAF pilots into the future.”

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