Airbus Announces Graduate and Apprentice of the Year

Two promising Airbus employees have been recognised for their achievements and dedication to the business and have been named Graduate of the Year and Filton Apprentice of the Year by Airbus at the company’s Recognition of Learning event in Bristol last night.

Adam Taylor was named Airbus Graduate of the Year at a ceremony in Bristol last night. Adam graduated with a first class honours degree in Air Transport Management. He was recruited onto the graduate scheme at Airbus and after working in roles around the world he now manages supplier contracts for aircraft landing gear. Adam was previously recognised for his outstanding achievements by the government in November 2013 when he won the Opening Doors Award for Inspirational Young Person.

Filton General Manager and Human Resources Director Mark Stewart said: “Adam has excelled in every area in which he has worked, is a popular employee who approaches every problem with a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and a great team player.

“It’s hard to think of a more inspirational young person. He is a credit to his family, to Airbus and to himself. We are very proud of him and we all send him our sincere congratulations on achieving this award.”

Hal Willis was named Apprentice of the Year at the same event. Hal gained a first for his foundation degree from the University of the West of England and is in his final year of his BEng in Aerospace Manufacturing Engineering. In his role at Airbus he works on development of the A350-1000 wing, with a focus on fatigue and damage tolerance. He also supports the development of analysis software and has trained experienced engineers to use it. He was a founding member of the Industry Apprentice Council set up to enable apprentices to contribute to national debates on apprenticeships and advise on policy and strategies for promoting apprenticeships to young people. Hal has previously been named Joint Outstanding Apprentice of the Year – Engineering and Manufacturing at the 2014 Bristol Post and Bath Chronicle Apprenticeship Awards earlier this year. He was motivated to apply for this apprenticeship because of his passion for aviation. He has a private pilot’s licence and has volunteered at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford.

Tony Rooke Early Careers Manager said: “Hal is an outstanding apprentice and it's great for him that his achievements have been recognised in this way. With so much competition for Airbus apprenticeships, we know that all our apprentices are the best and we're proud of them all.”

Adam and Hal joined over 80 other Airbus employees at this event, held every year, to recognise employees’ professional qualifications and learning achievements.