Following the first successful Insight into Industry Day held in 2014, Omani students studying at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) attended last week the second Insight into Industry visit at BAE Systems’ Military Air facility at Warton in the North West of England. They were accompanied by Ms Joanne Allan, Regional Manager Middle East & North Africa, from UCLan.
Insight Days are a unique opportunity for students to visit BAE Systems to explore and learn how international organisations operate, and how the subjects they are studying at University are applied in industry, with a view to broaden their commercial understanding.
The 18 students were welcomed to BAE Systems by previous UCLan Omani students, Safa Al Mohrooqi and Haitham Al Mufarraji, who have joined the company on its graduate scheme and, on completion, will work for BAE Systems in Oman.
The UCLan students, who are studying a range of subjects including health, safety and environmental management, project management and IT at UCLan, spent the day with senior executives from BAE Systems to explore the world of work, whilst learning about the Company and its history in Oman.
Focused talks from BAE Systems’ executives on engineering, Safety Health & Environment, and aircraft support were accompanied by visits to the Eurofighter Typhoon and Hawk final assembly lines.
Sir Simon Bryant KCB, CBE, Vice President (Oman), BAE Systems, commented: “BAE Systems has a long-standing relationship with the Sultanate of Oman and we are delighted to have hosted the Omani students at Warton, the home of Eurofighter Typhoon. One of our aims is to demonstrate the company’s commitment to supporting Oman’s vision of the creation of a comprehensive Omani work force, not least through the development of its engineering skill-base. Insight Days give students a good opportunity to learn about BAE Systems and the potential graduate roles with BAE Systems which may result in job opportunities for them in Oman, as well as helping to develop the skills required in any future position.”
The students followed up their visit to Warton by completing a project at UCLan’s Westleigh Conference Centre on 2 December, supported by five BAE Systems graduates and the two Omani graduates, who joined the business last year. The project, which was to design and market an armoured vehicle for the fictitious country of Tongu, was designed to help the Omani students develop the global competencies, including self-confidence and assertiveness, frequently required for graduate opportunities in the wider industry marketplace.
Over the two days, BAE Systems provided an insight into career opportunities within BAE Systems, more specifically the 12 graduate roles available this year that will lead to high quality jobs based in Oman supporting the company’s delivery of products and services to the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO).
In December 2012 Oman purchased 12 Typhoon and 8 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers from BAE Systems.
