The global aerospace sector is increasingly addressing the skills gap by connecting academic learning with the demands of the job market. Honeywell Aerospace is at the forefront of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of practical training for IT students and graduates. Despite possessing strong theoretical knowledge in artificial intelligence, many graduates often lack the hands-on experience necessary to thrive in real-world industry scenarios.
To tackle this issue, Honeywell, led by team leader Nazia Taylor, is organizing a four-day workshop centered around an AI hackathon. This event is designed to provide participants with essential experience, guiding them through a specific use case and illustrating how IT teams collaborate to develop and market digital solutions. Taylor highlighted the workshop’s goal of helping students understand the collaborative nature of the industry, including solution testing and effective presentation to broader audiences.
In addition to providing valuable technical skills, this program aims to alleviate concerns about artificial intelligence replacing jobs. Honeywell advocates that AI is intended to enhance and reshape work processes, allowing professionals to make more informed decisions efficiently.
The team expresses confidence in Fiji’s promising potential, asserting that with proper resources, mentorship, and exposure, local students can successfully compete on a global scale without needing to relocate. This commitment to nurturing local talent reflects a hopeful outlook for the future of the aerospace industry and its workforce.