Lockheed Martin Australia (LMA), Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter and University of Newcastle (UoN) are pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Altitude Accord Scholarship as part of its partnership to help build an industry-skilled, homegrown Hunter workforce for the region’s growing defence industry.

Three teams comprising Christopher Neal, Matthew Wheeler, Gerard Lazarus, Ian Whittall, Ashleigh Rattray, Tahlia West, Jennifer Johnston, Stephanie McManus, Jack Sulis, Toby Barry, Joshua Price and David Seddon were deemed winners of the 2019 Scholarship following the Glider Competition demonstration at the UoN’s Great Hall last night.

The competition, that saw 15 teams of 3-4 students design, construct and fly gliders, was the culmination of the first semester project of UoN’s inaugural Aerospace Systems Engineering Degree course.

The 70 strong cohort competed for the coveted Scholarship Tour prize that entitles each of the three winning groups to join a four-day visit to LMA sites in Victoria and the ACT this July.

In support of the Altitude Accord’s aims, LMA and UoN each contributed $10,000 and RDA Hunter in-kind facilitation to offer the scholarship prize.

Students won exclusive access to the LMA’s facilities in Melbourne and its Endeavour Centre at Lockheed Martin House in Canberra as well as site/museum visits and attendance at the Women in Defence Awards Gala event.

Interim Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand, Scott Thompson is proud to be part of the partnership with RDA Hunter and UoN, which is actively seeking to raise the technology base of the future workforce of the Hunter region.

“Through this partnership, we will share our knowledge and expertise with Hunter students, connecting them with the region’s wider defence industry, education and government organisations to help build the workforce it needs, while providing Hunter students with pathways to long-term career opportunities in the region,” said Mr Thompson.

According to RDA Hunter’s Executive Officer and Director of Regional Development, Mr Trevor John, RDA Hunter has a strong and long-term focus on building an industry-skilled, homegrown workforce to support the Hunter’s defence industry.

“We are very pleased to facilitate the partnership between Lockheed Martin Australia and the University of Newcastle. The Altitude Accord is a valuable component in our suite of workforce development initiatives.

“New industry-led, team-based activities such as the Glider Competition and Scholarship Tour offer students unique opportunities to engage with industry and better understand pathways to legitimate long-term career opportunities here in the Hunter,” Mr John continued.

University of Newcastle's Head of School of Engineering, Professor Mark Jones, said the Aerospace Systems Engineering degree prepares students with career-ready skills.

"Initiatives such as the Glider Competition offer valuable hands-on experiences for our students to develop their problem-solving skills beyond the classroom. We know how important it is for students to be job-ready."

About Lockheed Martin Australia

Headquartered in Canberra, Lockheed Martin Australia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lockheed Martin Corporation. The company employs more than 1,000 people in Australia working on a wide range of major programs spanning the aerospace, defence and civil sectors.

About RDA Hunter

RDA Hunter works with the three levels of government, industry, other RDAs and local communities to support the economic development of the Hunter. In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders, RDA Hunter is exploring opportunities to sustain a strong local economy, create local jobs, attract investment, foster innovation and, by working with industry and educators, build the skilled workforce of the future.

About University of Newcastle

Built on the principles of equity, excellence and engagement, the University of Newcastle has a reputation as a world-class institution making an impact within its own region, throughout Australia and across the globe. Its research is world-class and diverse. Its degree programs are internationally recognised and its partnerships and collaborations drive innovation. It is ranked in the top three per cent of universities world-wide.