Honoring Practical Learning: Commemorating National Apprenticeship Week in the United Kingdom
Airbus, a leading name in the aerospace industry, is investing in the future with a growing focus on apprenticeships. The Airbus Defence and Space Newport site, in particular, is nurturing a cohort of apprentices specialising in cyber security.
In September 2023, the Newport site welcomed its first ever Degree Apprentices, marking a significant step in the company's commitment to developing talent. These apprentices joined various departments, including Cyber Security, Test, Hardware and Software Engineering.
The apprenticeship program, designed to provide practical training for future aerospace professionals, is not limited to the Newport site. Over 30 apprentices are developing skills for the future space industry at the Portsmouth and Stevenage sites as well.
During National Apprenticeship Week 2024, Airbus UK showcased its apprenticeship program, highlighting new initiatives, student engagement, and the positive impact on its business and culture. The program emphasises blending academic learning with practical industry experience, offering apprenticeships that earn while they learn, combined with recognised qualifications in aerospace engineering and related fields.
Key aspects of the program include the introduction of degree apprenticeships, encouraging women in STEM fields, and fostering a supportive environment for apprentices. Former degree apprentice Immanuel shared his experiences, balancing academic achievements with hands-on work at Airbus, illustrating the program’s combination of passion and perseverance.
The apprenticeship program contributes significantly to Airbus’s talent pipeline, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. It supports the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, helping build a skilled workforce aligned with Airbus’s aerospace goals.
Looking ahead, Airbus Defence and Space Newport site is set to welcome six more apprentices in September 2024. The apprentices are paid throughout their studies, and Airbus supports those who complete their apprenticeships by paying for them to continue their studies at university.
The Cyber team at Newport works closely with universities to ensure that the work the apprentices carry out onsite aligns with their academic studies. The apprentices also attend university one day per week for the next five years to complete their undergraduate degree.
Airbus strongly believes that recruiting apprentices is a productive and effective way to grow talent. The Defence and Space division employs 71 apprentices, and the Helicopters division employs 5. Apprentices from across all parts of Airbus UK attended a reception in Parliament, and Airbus hosted a STEM Day in its Filton plant for local schools, providing opportunities for students to learn about aerospace career opportunities.
Even the Rt Hon Robert Halforn MP visited Airbus' Filton plant and met with apprentices to discuss aerospace apprenticeships. With such a comprehensive approach, it's clear that Airbus is committed to nurturing the next generation of aerospace professionals.
- Airbus, making strides in the aerospace industry, has been investing in the future, particularly with a growing emphasis on apprenticeships.
- The Airbus Defence and Space Newport site is nurturing apprentices specializing in areas like cyber security, reflecting the company's focus on talent development.
- In September 2023, the Newport site welcomed its first Degree Apprentices, marking a significant expansion in Airbus's commitment to education-and-self-development and career-development.
- Additionally, over 30 apprentices are developing skills for the future space industry at the Portsmouth and Stevenage sites, demonstrating Airbus's commitment to data-and-cloud-computing technology.
- Airbus's apprenticeship program offers a learning environment that encourages job-search in the aerospace industry through a blend of academic learning and practical industry experience, as well as skills-training.
- The company's commitment to lifelong-learning is evident, as they offer online-education opportunities alongside their apprenticeship programs, ensuring a continuous pipeline of talented professionals in the finance, aerospace, and related industries.
