Airbus and Al Bayt Mitwahid, the initiative founded by the employees of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, today unveiled a joint initiative to encourage bright Emirati students to discover, explore and choose a career path within the aerospace industry.

The programme, called ‘Future Scientists’, aims to inspire and ignite a passion for Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) innovation among young Emiratis. It seeks to build a world-class UAE talent pool that the global aerospace industry can ultimately attract, nurture and retain.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), underlining the programme objectives, was signed today at IDEX, between Saif Al Qubaisi, chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid Associations; and Mikail Houari, president, Airbus Africa and Middle East.

‘Future Scientists’ will provide up to 21 Emirati high-school students the opportunity to discover the aeronautics industry over a period of three years. Through engaging and hands-on sessions, participants will have the chance to learn about best industry practices, get exposed to real-life aerospace challenges and receive mentorship and advice on a career path within the industry.

The programme also includes activities such as industrial site visits in Europe and the UAE, regular classroom sessions with industry experts and access to regional and global aerospace events. At the end of the programme, the students will receive an internship at Airbus or its industry partners’ facilities in the UAE and an opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals.

“The Future Scientists initiative firmly asserts the importance of investing in our youth who are our future,” said Al Qubaisi. "It supports the nation’s Vision 2021 and UAE innovation strategy, and aims to build a leading Emirati workforce that is capable of taking the UAE’s aerospace industry to greater heights.”

“We value our collaboration with Airbus and are confident that this initiative will empower and provide the right foundation for the young Emirati to dream big and turn it into reality,” added Al Qubaisi.

Airbus’ portfolio of talent and capacity building global and regional initiatives such as the ‘Fly Your Ideas’, ‘The Airbus Little Engineer’ and ‘Entaliq with Airbus’, demonstrates its commitment to the future of aviation. These programmes aim to stretch students’ imagination and apply their classroom learning and research into real-life practice.

Mikail Houari, president, Airbus Africa and Middle East, said: “The aerospace industry thrives on innovation and it is our privilege to work closely with the local governments and inspire young minds to embrace Stem subjects for a better tomorrow.”

“The ‘Future Scientists’ programme will offer a creative learning environment, but more importantly, it will instil a pioneering spirit and prepare the Emirati youth to disrupt and transform the global aerospace sector in the near future.” - TradeArabia News Service