32 Students Join Lockheed Martin's Expanded UAE Internship Programme

Lockheed Martin has recently welcomed its largest summer internship group in the UAE at the Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) in Abu Dhabi. The programme, based on merit, includes 32 students from top UAE universities, marking a significant step in the company's efforts towards Emiratisation and human capital development in aerospace and defence.

Approximately half of the new interns are women, with 70 percent being Emirati citizens. The remaining 30 percent come from nine countries across four continents, showcasing the UAE's diverse talent pool. This diversity is integral to Lockheed Martin's mission of fostering an inclusive environment.

The internship spans three months, during which students will engage in hands-on experiences and real-world projects. This approach aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional roles.

"This record-breaking cohort of interns highlights our commitment to developing future UAE leaders, scientists, and engineers to take up critical positions within our programmes at Lockheed Martin and across the wider aerospace and defence industry," said Gen. John 'Mick' Nicholson (U.S. Army, Ret.), chief executive, Lockheed Martin Middle East. "By providing these students with specialist training and mentoring opportunities, we are inspiring and equipping the next generation of innovators who will help shape the future of global security."

During their tenure, interns will collaborate closely with Lockheed Martin experts on various projects. These include developing artificial intelligence algorithms for automating foreign object debris identification in critical environments, interdisciplinary research, modelling and simulation related to advanced defence systems, and space exploration initiatives.

Transformative Experience

"We are very pleased to welcome such a diverse and talented group of students to our team," said Hala Majeed Al Zargani, manager at Lockheed Martin CISS. "Our goal is to provide a transformative experience that not only broadens their technical knowledge but also encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that will be crucial in tackling complex challenges in the future."

Lockheed Martin's commitment extends beyond just internships; it aims to develop a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to meet future demands in aerospace and defence. The UAE-based internship programme started in 2017 with just four students but has grown into a year-round endeavour with additional sessions in spring and fall.

Future Expansion Plans

In 2024, Lockheed Martin expects to graduate over 50 interns as part of its broader strategy to invest in UAE education and human capital development. The company plans to double its training capacity in the coming years to further support this initiative.

This expansion reflects Lockheed Martin's dedication to nurturing talent within the UAE, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills needed for critical roles in aerospace and defence industries.

With inputs from WAM