Airbus Broughton teams up with local schools to inspire STEM Careers

Airbus Broughton has made strides in connecting the world of industry with education by collaborating with three local high schools for the first time.

The partnership was launched with St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School in Flint, St David’s High School in Saltney, and Whitby High School in Ellesmere Port, to give students a unique insight into STEM-related career opportunities.

A group of six year 9 students, accompanied by their teachers, visited Airbus Broughton this week for an insider’s look at the Airbus A350 North Factory and the Beluga line station.

They had lunch with current and former apprentices, offering them a tangible look into the daily life of wing manufacturing at Airbus.

The participating students, chosen based on their engagement with STEM subjects, were the first to be recognised with the newly instituted Airbus Beluga Award.

The highlights of their visit included seeing the unloading of a flight wing jig and loading of wings at the Beluga Line Station, as well as interacting with the pilots and ground staff.

Reflecting on the initiative, Luke Aldous, Airbus Programme Planning Team Leader and the Beluga Award project lead, said, “When I was in school I experienced first-hand how interactions between companies and schools can be a powerful tool to inspire, engage and recruit students into industry.”

Luke said it motivated him to put himself forward as the education liaison lead as an additional responsibility to his day-to-day role.

He said: “As a result, we came up with the ‘Beluga Awards’ idea as a way to increase Airbus’ attractiveness as a potential employer, and attract young talent to our industry.”

“It was a fantastic day out and it makes it all worth it when you see students walk away with a smile on their face, a good understanding of what we do here at Broughton, and motivation to pursue a STEM-related career.” Luke added.

The event has already had a significant impact, with students leaving with smiles on their faces and a newfound motivation to pursue a STEM-related career.

Jamie Woodmansee, a teacher at St Richard Gwyn, said, “Amazing event to really inspire students. I am really impressed with the knowledge and passion the employees have for the company.”

[Images: Airbus]