What level of remuneration can I expect to receive?

The starting salary for the Direct Entry Graduate (DEG) Scheme is reviewed annually. The starting salary for 2008 will be £23,000 with a £2,500 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 receive up to a 10% annual salary increase based on your placement performance.

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

The DEG Scheme 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 scheme, 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 it has available within its Eurpoean sites. Included in the programme are tours of the final assembly lines (FALs) and an opportunity to meet and interview representatives from an airline and a supplier, as well as visiting their manufacturing premises. You can, therefore, get 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. There will also be opportunities to work in small teams to make/drill, etc, a composite component. 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. Technical training will also be given to DEGs by their target areas, dependent on the DEG's experience. There are also opportunities to attend further 'soft skills' training courses e.g. presentation skills, etc. Support is available for foreign language training, as appropriate, as are other forms of on-line training, through fully resourced Learning Resource Centres at both Airbus UK sites.

What support do I have during the scheme?

You will have considerable support during the scheme including: Target department line manager to help with placement plans 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 scheme co-ordinator. * Senior level career mentors - On the DEG scheme 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 graduate placements during your two years on the scheme, although ultimately you will be responsible for your own placement choices in conjunction with your 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 scheme. 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 scheme?

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 and this is the area that you would be working towards joining at the end of the scheme. Your performance during the scheme 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 scheme. As an APD, it would be up to you to be pro-active in establishing your own learning and development path to prepare you for an Advanced Professional role within the organisation. As you progressed in this role, the main difference you would notice would be an increased level of responsibility and accountability.

Can I work towards achieving professional accreditation?

All our Direct Entry Graduate Scheme graduates 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 UK reassesses its graduate requirements annually and therefore we are unable to support applications for deferred entry. Successful applicants for 2008 entry would be required to start work in September 2008.

Do I need a UK work permit?

The Direct Entry Graduate Scheme is an entry-level programme that could lead to a permanent role with the company. As such we are not able to consider applicants who require a work permit as this would generally be valid for a limited period only. We have followed the UK Home Office guidelines on this subject.

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

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

Will I get a chance to travel?

As an international company, Airbus operates across several European countries as well as having subsidiaries in many other parts of the world. Please visit the Meet Airbus pages for more information about our global presence. Many of our graduates have the opportunity during their programme to visit and work at locations away from their home site both within Europe and outside it.

Will I get the opportunity to work with customers and suppliers?

The opportunity to gain an insight into the needs of customers and suppliers is a possibility during placements and is incorporated into the core-training programme.

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 graduates on the Direct Graduate Entry Scheme 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. Please visit the Undergraduates section for further information.