Two former local school pupils have progressed from classroom STEM sessions into full Airbus apprenticeships.
The aerospace manufacturer is marking the week by showcasing the impact of its Partnership School STEM Outreach programme, which connects local schools with real-world engineering and aviation careers.
The milestone comes with the recruitment of Rison Bandara Athauda and Muhammad Diallo, who were both inspired to pursue apprenticeships after taking part in outreach activities delivered through their school.
Their journey began when Paul Kilmister, Head of CDT Widebody and senior STEM outreach sponsor, visited Whitby High School to deliver an assembly focused on apprenticeship opportunities at Airbus.
That initial session was followed by apprenticeship “speed dating”, one-to-one mentoring and careers advice.
Paul Kilmister said the programme plays a vital role in securing future skills for the aerospace industry.
He said: “Our STEM Outreach programmes are not only important to the Broughton plant today, they are also important for future skills for tomorrow.
“The work starts now and this happens through supporting school curriculums and our early career programmes.”
For the new apprentices, joining Airbus has reshaped how they see the industry.
Muhammad Diallo said: “I used to see Airbus as a big company and thought that it would be intimidating. But now that I’m here I see that it is very welcoming and very supportive of their employees.”
Rison Bandara Athauda added: “I chose an apprenticeship pathway as it allowed me to be hands on and build relationships that allow me to better understand Airbus.
“I’m always meeting people who are helping to develop the company and it is great to be a part of that.”
Airbus Broughton works closely with schools by supporting curriculum learning, delivering lesson plans, and offering hands-on experiences at its site to help students better understand STEM subjects and career pathways.
Activities within the STEM Outreach programme include apprenticeship assemblies, careers advice sessions, curriculum-linked lesson support, site visits, mock interviews and mentoring.
In 2025 alone, the Airbus School Partnership Programme delivered more than 350 STEM events across Filton and Broughton, visited 200 schools and colleges, and recorded around 62,000 interactions with students.
By working in partnership with local education providers, Airbus Broughton says it is helping ensure the next generation of aircraft is built by a skilled, motivated workforce trained close to home.