Sydney engineering students benefit from Airbus partner program

The University of Sydney’s Faculty of Engineering and IT has recently become a member of the Airbus Global University Partner Program (AGUPP). This will provide greater opportunities for aeronautical engineering students to work with a global leader in the aviation industry and to develop research partnerships both here in Australia and overseas.

The Airbus Global University Partner Program is a strategic initiative connecting a global network of universities and engineering schools to develop high-tech and engineering talent of the future. The AGUPP initiative fosters long-term collaboration in areas such as the development of strategic competencies – both technical and soft skills – and education and training with a specific focus on innovation. The University of Sydney is excited to be a partner with Airbus in this exciting initiative.

“It is a chance to exchange ideas on the fast-evolving trends of the industry and the changing competencies needed to ensure the employability of (University of Sydney) students and the ongoing success of leading companies like Airbus,” says Thierry Baril, Airbus Chief HR Officer.

“Thanks to this initiative we also aim to offer exciting educational and employment opportunities for (University of Sydney) students, whether it be internship and graduate programs, organised challenges or participation in next summer’s Airnovation Summer Academy, amongst others.” 

William Hughes spent last year working as an intern at Airbus in Toulouse France as a part of his Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Aeronautical) degree in the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. He is one of three students who have benefited from the strong relationship with Airbus in the past year.

“On a daily basis I was exposed to and involved in the resolution of in-service issues with some of the world’s biggest airlines such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar – just to name a few,” William reports.

“I’ve also had the opportunity to visit the final assembly lines of the A320, A330, A350 and the A380 as well as work in the fast-paced AOG (Aircraft on Ground) technical support centre. It was an invaluable experience to be immersed in the epicenter of European aerospace and it gave my studies a new relevance.”

Professor Stefan Williams, Head of School in Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, is already working to secure further student placements with Airbus as a part of the University’s Sydney Industry Placement Scholarships (SIPS) program.

“Involvement in the AGUPP program will provide our students and staff with outstanding opportunities to work with a global leader in the aviation industry.  We are training Australia’s next generation of Aerospace Engineers and place enormous value on experiential learning opportunities such as those associated with the industry placements offered by Airbus,” he said.