What level of remuneration can I expect to receive?

The starting salary for the Direct Entry Graduate (DEG) Programme is reviewed annually. The starting salary for 2010 will be £24,500 with a £2,750 welcome payment. Other benefits include: Membership of company pension scheme 25 days holiday per year 35 hour working week Flexible working hours with lunchtime finish on Fridays (depending on business area) All graduates financially supported to potentially achieve chartership status

I am keen and hard working, will my contribution be rewarded?

During the programme, you will have regular (bi-annual) reviews of performance and development. You could receive up to a 10% annual salary increase based on your placement performance.

What training and development will I get on the DEG Programme?

The DEG Programme has a number of bespoke 'core' technical and behavioural training programmes. They are an integral part of a DEG's learning, particularly at the start of the programme, to help them quickly learn about the company. A two-day course in Toulouse, France provides an overview of the Airbus business and how Airbus thrives on the integration of the varied and different cultures at its European sites. The programme includes: Tours of the final assembly lines (FALs) Opportunity to meet and interview representatives from an airline and a supplier Visit to the manufacturing premises You gain a better understanding of customer and supplier expectations, which will help you in your day to day working life. 'Impact' - a training company that specialises in experiential learning - run a behavioural development course. It aims to increase personal effectiveness and to focus DEGs on maintaining an awareness of their developing leadership capability. The programme includes outdoor activities, psychometric testing, coaching and e-learning. There are three technical training courses, which focus on giving DEGs hands-on experience to help them in their placements: Manufacturing (metallics and composites) - this course increases awareness of the integration between design and manufacturing. Lean Awareness explores lean tools and techniques showing how they can be applied in different business areas Aircraft Familiarisation - this course gives participants an understanding of the A320 aircraft. There is a visit to Bristol airport to view an in-service aircraft. Servicing, in-service operation and maintenance issues are also explained and it provides and in-depth understanding of modern generation Airbus aircraft. Language training courses are also available.

What support do I have during the programme?

You will have considerable support during the programme including: Target department line manager to help with placement plans (i.e. Target Area Owner) Placement managers who work with you to set work based tasks and objectives designed to enhance your experience of Airbus Senior level career mentor* Chartership mentor** Buddy from the previous year's intake; and Dedicated human resources programme co-ordinator. * Senior level career mentors - On the DEG programme you are allocated a career mentor, who offers guidance and support during your career progression. Your career mentor will be particularly supportive in suggesting suitable placements during your two years on the programme, although ultimately you will be responsible for your own placement choices in conjunction with your Target Area Owner (TAO). Some graduates choose to gain specific knowledge within a number of inter-related departments within the company, whilst others choose to gain a broader view of the organisation by opting for more diverse placements. The most important consideration during these decisions is to ensure that your overall learning experience from the two years will compliment your future career. ** The DEGs are encouraged to take up the opportunity of a Chartership mentor. This is another invaluable benefit offered by Airbus, which continues after the DEG programme. Part of the Chartership process involves maintaining a logbook of all your learning, responsibilities and achievements within the workplace. This starts on day one and will continue throughout your entire professional career development.

What happens once I’ve completed the DEG programme?

When you join the company you will be assigned a target department that will help you select placements to ensure you get most from the opportunities available. This is the area that you would be working towards joining at the end of the programme. Your performance during the programme will influence whether you are considered for a future role in Airbus and, if successful, you would be allocated an Advanced Professional Developing (APD) operating level for up to 3 years after completing the DEG programme. The APD grade is designed to enable you to continue to learn and develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours required in your role to ensure you achieve the Advanced Professional (AP) grade within 3 years, or sooner. Key to achieving the requirements of AP is to define the objectives and development plan early and to ensure the needs of both you and the business are captured. It should be expected that the development plan would include additional training programmes, as well as larger work based experiences that enable learning to be utilised. Movement and promotion from APD to higher grades will be dependant on the business' agreement that you have, as well as whether you have the knowledge and skills essential to the role, together with being able to demonstrate the behaviours and the experiences equivalent to more senior management grades.

Can I work towards achieving professional accreditation?

All our DEGs are encouraged to achieve professional membership of an appropriate institution including RAeS (Royal Aeronautical Society), CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development), IMechE (Institute of Mechanical Engineers), IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) and CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply).

Can I apply for deferred entry?

Airbus in the UK reassesses its graduate requirements annually and, therefore, we are unable to support applications for deferred entry. Successful applicants for 2010 entry would be required to start work in September 2010.

If my degree is not engineering, are the opportunities for me?

Although most of our graduate opportunities are within engineering or manufacturing engineering, we have a number of vacancies for non-engineering graduates in areas such as finance, human resources, procurement, supply chain & logistics, information communication technology and programme planning. Please see our Direct Graduate Entry Opportunities section for more specific details.

Will I get a chance to travel?

Many of our graduates have the opportunity during the programme to visit and work at locations away from their home site. The placement structure means that you have the opportunity to work with customers and suppliers, which will give you an insight into their needs and requirements, and may include international travel, dependent on business needs.

Could I move to another Airbus site in France, Germany or Spain?

For those interested in pursuing an international career, we offer many international opportunities in the longer term. Some DEGs may have an opportunity to complete a placement at one of these sites during the programme.

Can I do an internship / placement at Airbus?

Airbus offers many internship opportunities each year both nationally and internationally. A previous internship with Airbus, or in a related industry, may well help you when you apply for a place on the DEG programme. Please visit the Undergraduates section for further information about internships.