US multinational takes in Khalifa varsity interns

abu dhabi — American multinational Rockwell Collins has announced that a third batch of Khalifa University interns will be admitted into an internship programme in the company’s engineering division.

Rockwell Collins which is headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa — is well-known for providing advanced avionics and IT systems for a wide range of governmental entities, militaries and aircraft manufacturers. It has operated in the Middle East for 20 years, particularly in the defence and critical infrastructure protection fields.

Claude Alber, the company’s France-based vice-president and managing director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said that the internship programme stems from Rockwell Collins’ desire to enhance local capabilities.

“We are committed to the region in the long-term, and specifically in the UAE,” he said. “Our strategy is to continue to invest locally, to help build the regional defence and aerospace industry.”

“We are also committed to training local talent in the region,” Alber added. “Hence, this partnership with Khalifa University.”

The year-long internship programme — which is now in its third year — places students in Rockwell Collins’ engineering programme, where they have the opportunity to learn about a widerange of engineering disciplines. It is scheduled to begin in May.

“What we do with our interns is show them a number of capabilities we’re developing. It’s not focused on just one domain, but opens a broader view to them on various technologies that we are developing,” Alber noted. “Then they can continue to develop them.”

Aside from being an important learning opportunity for the interns, Alber noted that it sets Rockwell Collins up with students who may go on to play an important role in UAE companies involved in technology, engineering and avionics.

“Those students may end up working with our partners here in country,” he said. “That relationship will already exist.”

Alber concluded by noting that the internship is meant as a sign of the company’s long-standing commitment to the UAE and to the region.

“We have a long presence in the region, and we are committed to the long-term success of the region, through partnerships and training,” he said, adding that the training programmes are designed to be in line with economical diversification policies such as Abu Dhabi Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030.

What we do with our interns is show them a number of capabilities we’re developing. It’s not focused on just one domain, but opens a broader view to them on various technologies that we are developinghen they can continue to develop them.” Claude Alber, official, Rockwell Collins