Airbus has signed an MoU with Vadodara-based Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) to launch a BTech course in aviation engineering for underprivileged and meritorious students. This initiative, facilitated by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will provide full scholarships covering tuition and boarding fees worth Rs 2.5 lakh per annum for 40 students, with 33% of these scholarships reserved for women. The program aims to equip students with necessary skills and education under India’s new education policy, providing internship and mentorship opportunities through Airbus.
The partnership reflects Airbus’s long-standing collaboration with India, reinforcing their commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in the aerospace sector. The C295 Final Assembly Line in Vadodara, the first ‘Make in India’ aerospace program in the private sector, exemplifies this dedication. Additionally, Airbus will support GSV by setting up a Centre of Excellence, appointing a Guest Chair Professor, and offering various short-term executive programs. This collaboration is expected to significantly advance GSV’s vision of being an industry-driven, innovation-led university, setting a new standard for industry-academia partnerships in India.
Prominent Launch and Vision
The program launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, and Ravneet Singh, along with senior officials from the Railway Board and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Airbus President and Managing Director for India and South Asia, Rémi Maillard, expressed optimism about the partnership’s impact on India’s aviation sector, emphasizing the importance of creating superior human resources, skilling, and cutting-edge research.
Impact on India’s Aviation Sector
Airbus’s support extends to the establishment of the Centre of Excellence at GSV and the deployment of technology solutions to enhance training and research programs. This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s ‘Skill India’ program, aiming to create a robust ecosystem for aerospace education and professional development. By integrating academic curricula with practical industrial experience, this partnership seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering innovation and driving growth in the Indian aviation sector.
This partnership between Airbus and GSV is a significant step towards realizing the vision of a skilled and capable workforce, ready to meet the demands of India’s burgeoning aviation industry.