Aerospace giant Airbus has opened a new academy at its site near Bristol to encourage more local students to consider a career in the industry.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visited the facility in Filton, South Gloucestershire on Monday (February 6) to mark its launch at the start of National Apprenticeship Week.
The facility includes an interactive learning workspace for secondary school students alongside a full-scale aircraft wing, and provides an overview of the history of aviation in the area, including the development of Concorde.
Sue Partridge, the head of Airbus’ Filton site and a former apprentice at the firm herself, said she hoped the academy could help “inspire” more 11 to 14-year-old’s to pursue science, technology engineering and maths (STEM) based subjects in school and colleges.
Ms Partridge said: “Right now in Filton we’re working on new wing technologies and fuel systems that will help make aviation more sustainable for future generations - so young people joining us this year could soon be working on the hydrogen technology we will have in our future aircraft”.
Airbus recently announced plans to add 13,000 staff to its global workforce this year, as it ramps up production of commercial aircraft, of which 7,000 would be newly created roles.
The world’s largest aircraft manufacturer delivered 661 commercial aircraft to 84 customers last year - an increase of 8% on 2021.
The company has ambitions to develop the world's first zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035, and will house a research hub at Filton to develop decarbonising hydrogen technologies.
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