Rockwell Collins, a pioneer in the development of innovative aviation solutions, has announced plans to expand its internship program with Khalifa University based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The company said as part of its ongoing internship program, its latest class of interns at Khalifa University will begin working at the company’s sites in Europe and the Middle East.

The interns will work alongside company employees within the Engineering Department, said the company in a statement.

Khalifa University offers 10 undergraduate engineering-based program along with nine graduate degree programs.

The move comes as part of Rockwell Collins’ commitment to help strengthen the industrial capabilities of the regional defence and aerospace industry in this strategic market.

The company is investing in a number of partnership agreements in the region -- including this training opportunity with Khalifa University that began two years ago and which is expected to expand in the future, said a top official.

“Even though we’ve been present in this region for almost a quarter of a century, we continue to develop the valuable relationships we have with local entities such as Khalifa University,” remarked Talel Kamel, the managing director for the Middle East, Turkey and North Africa for Rockwell Collins.

“We are proud of this collaboration that enables us to share our knowledge and expertise in domains such as avionics and communication with the students, while at the same time establishing a talent incubator to support our further developments in the region,” he added.

Dr. Aaesha Al Naqbi, the director of Student Services at Khalifa University, said: "In keeping with Abu Dhabi’s bold vision to develop a vibrant and regionally-relevant knowledge economy, Khalifa University is keen to offer our students valuable training programs at world-leading industrial and academic organizations which supply the UAE and the region with highly qualified engineers."

"We value our partnership with Rockwell Collins and look forward to exploring further opportunities for collaboration for the benefit of our students," she added.-TradeArabia News Service