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| Improving the quality and efficiency of Airbus' suppliers is the key task for Laure, who works in the Airbus’ supplier development team. Now she has become the first employee to gain accreditation as an Airbus Black Belt in a major new company-wide continuous improvement programme. | |
| What attracted you to Airbus as an employer? Before I joined Airbus, I spent seven years at Astrium, the space subsidiary of EADS, Airbus' parent company. EADS has a mobility programme that enables you to move throughout the group. I had recently completed part-time studies in logistics production and inventory management - the area I now work in at Airbus – and a manufacturing environment like Airbus was the best area for me to continue my development. How has Airbus helped you develop your career? I’ve received enormous support from the entire EADS group, especially when I decided that I wanted to change the direction of my career in 2002. I received financial assistance to go back to university where I studied for six months and I was also assisted in finding a job in Airbus that supported my new career. Becoming an Airbus Black Belt will present me with some great opportunities to develop my skills and knowledge further, working on projects to bring quality improvements to Airbus. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? I enjoy the contact I have with Airbus suppliers in countries around the world. It’s refreshing to see different workplaces and organisations. While it is sometimes a challenge to convince suppliers that a continuous improvement programme will bring major benefits to their organisation, the reward comes when I see that the supplier is completely convinced and happy with the programme when it is in place. Has it made any difference being a woman in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry? I have to admit that being a woman is not always an asset in the industrial world. Women have to work a bit harder to prove their capabilities but they are respected once they have gained the confidence and respect of co-workers and business partners. What would you say to other women to encourage them to come and work for Airbus? There are so many interesting and varied jobs for both men and women in the aeronautical industry, especially in a forward-looking, innovative company like Airbus. When you work for Airbus, you’re not just making a living – you are part of an exciting industry where you feel fulfilled and feel challenged. |
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