An agreement to develop training programs for young Bahrainis was signed between the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Airbus Middle East, at the Bahrain International Airshow 2016, which was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 21-23, 2016.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Bahrain Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Acting Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs His Excellency Ahmed Al Nemahand Fouad Attar, Managing Director, Airbus Middle East, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.
The long-term agreement aims to develop training initiatives for Bahrain’s youth and instill in them a passion for a career in the aviation industry.
The MoU signing was followed by the official launch of the popular Airbus Little Engineer (ALE) workshop where around 70 students from over 20 schools in Bahrain got an opportunity to explore and assemble a model of the Airbus A380, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
His Excellency Ahmed Al Nemah said: “The agreement with Airbus Middle East offers us a unique opportunity to make a positive impact amongst Bahrain’s young generation. This initiative also comes at a time when Bahrain’s aerospace sector is expanding at a rapid pace and is poised for greater growth in the coming future. We are confident that Airbus Little Engineer initiative will encourage our youth to pursue a career in aviation and contribute towards building a strong foundation that will support the country’s long term growth plans.”
The workshop, currently taking place at the Airshow from 21-23 January 2016, will allow students to get an in-depth understanding of the resources, logistics and expertise required to assemble an A380. By the end of the program, students are tasked to assemble an A380 model; program it with their own algorithm so it is able to man oeuvre on the tarmac, ready for take-off.
Targeted at students between 10 to 17 years, Airbus Little Engineer initiative aims to channel students’ potential, encouraging them to use science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through an engaging hands-on team work approach.
The Airbus A380 Assembly workshop comes close on heels of a successful Airbus Little Engineer workshops conducted at the fifth Arab Aviation and Media Summit (AAMS) held in Bahrain early last month.
The Airbus Little Engineer initiative has been actively conducting aerospace and robotics related workshops amongst students in the Middle East and Africa. These workshops focus on developing technical and soft skills in the fields of science and technology. Students learn to be team players, working to reach a common goal by using their creativity and imagination to solve problems and celebrate their achievements.
