Airbus has been supporting secondary school children in Bristol to consider a career within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The aerospace giant said a total of 20 Year Nine students from Bristol Metropolitan Academy in Fishponds have graduated from the Airbus Foundation Discovery Space Youth Programme.
Over the 17-week course, which aims to encourage participants to continue their education, the pupils spent three hours a week at Airbus’ AIRTeC research and development facility in Filton, where they learnt about the theory of flight and designed and built their own drones.
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Airbus said that as well as a better understanding of the aerospace industry, those who took part gained a basic skills award from Bristol City Council.
Former Bristol Metropolitan Academy student Anisha Matharu took part in the first programme the first time Airbus launched it in 2016, and is now an apprentice with the company, co-leading the programme.
Ms Matharu said: "As a student I knew how amazing it would be to be a part of the programme and to gain some experience being in a real working environment. For me, being a part of the programme contributes hugely to where I am today and I am so glad that I was fortunate enough to take part. It showed me so many different areas of the business and helped me with my application for the apprenticeship I am doing here at Airbus.
"It's been great to be able to witness the development of the students who have participated, not just in their knowledge of engineering activities but also their personal development. The programme is great at not just giving all of the students experience in engineering environments but also helps to open their eyes to opportunities they may not have considered before. Everyone should be very proud of what they've achieved throughout the 17 weeks!"
Dee Smith, a teacher supervising the Bristol Metropolitan Academy students during the course, added: “As I journeyed along with these students each week, I have been able to see and enjoy the students' development while on the programme. During these weeks, they have improved hugely in communication, leadership, management and social skills.
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"I've heard first-hand from students about how they are able to explain to their science teachers about topics they learnt in the Airbus Youth Programme before learning about it in their classes! Most importantly, the interest and ability of the young people was very evident and the outstanding work and effort they displayed was superb."
Airbus, which has academic partnerships with more than 40 business schools and universities worldwide. said the next group of students to take part in the course will be from Abbeywood Community School in Stoke Gifford, starting in September.
The company employs 2,700 people at its base in Filton, and it is looking to recruit more than 13,000 people across its global operations this year. Airbus said a third of the roles within cybersecurity, software engineering and new propulsion technologies would be allocated to recent university graduates.
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