Benjamin joined Airbus in 2005 shortly after graduating with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering.

Diverse placements

The structure of the two-year Airbus Direct Entry Graduate (DEG) scheme means that you get experience of various roles in different departments and training programmes. There are generally between six and eight placements, with the chance of overseas placements. My first placement was on a new product programme developing the requirement cascade from top-level down to functional work packages. This placement gave me a deeper understanding of the organisation, as I interfaced with design disciplines, various ‘centres of excellence’ and management teams. I also joined wing manufacturing in Broughton, North Wales, implementing a system for delivering and managing general stock on high rate production flow lines. My third placement gave me the chance to travel overseas. I worked with a major airline customer in Australia, analysing its Airbus fleet reliability, and took every opportunity to learn all aspects of airline operations. I got a unique insight into the aviation industry’s key criteria for operating aircraft. I was also lucky enough to go to our Toulouse headquarters, into Commercial Marketing, where I drafted business cases for technology differentiators and supported sales campaigns. My current role means I have toplevel management exposure and, amongst other responsibilities, I am working with senior management building a business case for nextgeneration composite wings.

Training and development

It’s not all business. The graduate scheme allocates time dedicated to personal development by working in the community. Last year, I led a project designed to inspire an interest in engineering among Bristol school pupils. This ‘Innovation Challenge’ enabled me to develop my managerial and team leadership skills, in addition to the responsibility of liaising with government bodies and managing a budget. I am also working towards getting my engineering chartership.

Future plans

Using the knowledge and experience I have gained, I am excited to be taking on the role of requirements manager on one of the aircraft programmes once I complete the DEG scheme.