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More than 60 students will have the opportunity to put theory into practice after landing paid internships at a leading defence prime.
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Boeing Defence Australia have taken the students on under its Summer Vacation Internship Program. This year's program focused on recruiting more women into the program, resulting in 38 per cent female participation.
Ranging from second to final-year, the internship program provides students with hands-on experience in the fast-paced global aerospace industry before they graduate.
Summer intern Katrina Lo Surdo is working with Boeing Defence Australia on test automation for the E-7A Wedgetail while studying her fourth year of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Queensland.
“I’ve always wanted to work in aerospace and the opportunity to work for such a big company like Boeing here in Brisbane is awesome," she said.
"I’m so happy with the Wedgetail project I am working on because it’s making a real difference for the Royal Australian Air Force. It’s not ‘busy work’ or data entry – its meaningful, real-world engineering."
BDA human resources director Melissa Davidson said the three-month placement enables students to gain a better understanding of the industry while building a strong resume to carve their own career path.
"With the broadest portfolio in Australian aerospace, an internship with Boeing provides students with a unique opportunity to discover their passion and gives them the support they need to pursue their dream job," said Davidson.
“The program is ongoing with successful students invited to return each year to continue their practical studies across different parts of the business until they graduate.
"As the Australian aerospace industry becomes increasingly complex, Boeing is committed to developing a skilled and diverse workforce with the knowledge and experience to position Australia at the leading edge of aerospace."
The interest in Boeing’s Australian summer internship program extends to Boeing Aerostructures Australia in Fishermans Bend, outside of Melbourne. This year, they welcomed 11 undergraduate interns working across the site including at Boeing Research and Technology – Australia, which has a team co-located at the manufacturing site.
Australian students pursuing a graduate position with Boeing are encouraged to participate in the internship program during tertiary study. Applications for the Summer Vacation Internship Program open annually early-to-mid-year.
