Education Today Education Today Magazine
Airbus is helping to spark interest in engineering among young people in the South West of England, as students from the local community flew drones they had designed themselves for the first time at its Filton site this week.
The Airbus Future Engineers Programme, which was launched in 2016, is designed to reach students ahead of making their GCSE subject choices in Year 9. It focuses on inspiring those who may not otherwise see engineering as a potential pathway and to develop skills needed for the future.
Airbus works with local charity ABLAZE, which connects businesses with schools and volunteers across the South West, to reach schools where the need is greatest and to engage students most at risk of becoming Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET).
Each year, 20 Year 9 students spend 20 weeks learning degree level engineering fundamentals alongside professional skills, before building their own custom drones. The programme culminated in a flight test day at Filton, home to Airbus wings, fuel systems and landing gear giving students the opportunity to see their designs take to the air.
Since launching, 180 students have taken part in the programme, which Airbus apprentices support in the role of mentors. Following its success in Filton, Airbus plans to expand the programme to its Broughton site from October 2026, strengthening its commitment to developing skills and supporting high-quality opportunities across UK communities.
Harry Swann, Lead of the Airbus Future Engineers Programme said, “For many of the students who come through the programme, this is the first time they’ve experienced engineering and been given the opportunity to explore the workplace. There’s so much talent across the South West, and programmes like this are about giving young people the confidence and skills to see a future they may not have considered before.”
Jamie Smitheram, who took part in the programme in 2018 and now works at Airbus as a Landing Gear Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice says his direction was strongly influenced by the experience. “The experience provided a genuine insight into the engineering world and opened doors I hadn’t previously considered. Working in teams and pitching to mentors helped grow my confidence, problem-solving, and communication skills. It’s an invaluable opportunity for young people. Today, I’m a Landing Gear Mechanical Engineering Degree Apprentice at Airbus, and I’ve never looked back.”
Michael Norris, Careers Lead at Abbeywood Community School said: “It has been wonderful to see the confidence of our young people grow week by week throughout the programme. A key strength is the way each group works as a design team, with clearly defined roles that allow every student to showcase their individual talents and strengths. This structure not only builds teamwork and communication skills but also gives students a real sense of responsibility and pride in their work. Watching students develop, take ownership, and support one another has been a real highlight. The transferable skills they are gaining will have a lasting impact, supporting their future education and career pathways.”
