BAE Systems Australia has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at supporting women from regional Australia pursuing engineering degrees with aspirations for a career in the defence industry.
The program, named the Williams Hicks Engineering Scholarship, pays tribute to the accomplishments of Flight Lieutenant Robyn Williams and Officer Cadet Deborah Hicks, who made history as the first Australian women to become pilots in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) in 1988.
Deborah Hicks, the youngest female pilot in Australia to fly solo, and Robyn Williams, one of the RAAF’s first female engineers, paved the way for future generations with their remarkable achievements.
Aligning with this year’s UN International Women’s Day theme, “Count Her In: Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” BAE Systems Australia aims to accelerate progress by offering academic scholarships to women from regional areas aspiring to study engineering.
The Williams Hicks Engineering Scholarship will provide a clear pathway for talented women from regional backgrounds to pursue their engineering degrees.
Upon graduation, recipients will have the opportunity to embark on a career with BAE Systems Australia, unlocking a world of possibilities within the high-technology defence sector.
The application process for the scholarships will open in August 2024, with the announcement of the first four scholarship recipients scheduled for January 2025, coinciding with university intakes.
The program is designed to expand gradually, with the addition of four scholarships annually, ultimately supporting up to 16 female engineering students from regional Australia.
In addition to financial support, BAE Systems will offer work placements to scholarship recipients, providing them with invaluable industry experience aligned with their studies.
This hands-on approach aims to fast-track their careers, ensuring they are job-ready upon completing their degrees.
Ben Hudson, CEO of BAE Systems Australia, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, “We are passionate about championing gender equity across our business, and the scholarship program we’re launching celebrates the inspirational story of both Deborah and Robyn.”
Hudson added, “These scholarships are in addition to a number of initiatives BAE Systems Australia has introduced to recruit the nation’s top talent through programs including STEM Returners; Degree Apprenticeships in partnership with leading universities; mature-aged apprenticeships; and veteran opportunities in partnership with organisations such as WithyouWithMe.”
