“The aim of this measure is, on the one hand, for more young people with matriculation qualifications to develop an interest in the Lightweight Construction degree program in Wels and for FACC to gain highly trained academics on the other,” declares FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger. FACC supports four undergraduates in their first year with 500 euros per month and pays their tuition fees of 364 euros each semester. Furthermore, internships are offered in the FACC plants with competent FACC supervision and numerous other benefits. 
  

"Innovation has been a constant companion and growth driver of FACC since the company was founded," emphasizes Machtlinger. "As a technology leader in composites, we have successfully accompanied and advanced the technical progress of aircraft. Thirty years ago 13 per cent of an aircraft consisted of composite materials. The latest aircraft such as an Airbus A350 XWB or a Boeing 787 have a composite share of over 50 percent. Lightweight construction developments from FACC make an important contribution and actively shape the mobility of tomorrow".    

The reason for the success story of lightweight construction is to be found in the demand for increased energy efficiency in mobility. Climate protection requirements and rising fuel prices require new solutions that make aircraft lighter, more economical, more efficient and safer.  “The need for modern aircraft is increasing worldwide. Aviation analysts predict that approximately 35,000 new aircraft will be necessary by 2036,” comments Machtlinger. “As a result, production volumes at FACC will also increase considerably in the next few years, and large-scale production will be a central issue". Lightweight construction and its consistent further development play a pioneering role here. The automated industrial processing of fiber-reinforced composite materials and the resulting innovative lightweight components are decisive competitive factors for manufacturing companies - also for FACC. “Productivity and process reliability are decisive criteria. In order to be able to work successfully in all relevant areas from Research & Development and product engineering to industrialisation and series production, FACC needs qualified experts with sound lightweight construction know-how," adds Machtlinger.   

FACC is a rapidly growing technology company with a future-proof and balanced customer and product portfolio as well as a global network of engineering and manufacturing locations. The export share is almost 100 percent. Machtlinger emphasizes, "The need for future specialists is high. We need the best of the best in our team - that's why the study program Lightweight Construction and Composite Materials is so immensely important to us." FACC actively supports the Lightweight Construction study program in Wels through company scholarships, internships, lectures as well as through research participation and financial support. Graduates expect challenging jobs at FACC in an enterprise operating at international level.

"With the unique Bachelor program in Lightweight Construction and Composite Materials at the Upper Austrian Faculty of Technology and Applied Natural Sciences at the FH Wels, we have created an important prerequisite for providing Upper Austrian industry with highly qualified and urgently needed academics. For 2019 we are planning a Master degree program based on this," says the department head, FH-Prof. DI Dr. Roland Hinterhölzl.  “The general conditions are ideal for future students: excellent job prospects in a strong economic federal state, an attractive research environment and the modern infrastructure at the Upper Austrian University of Applied Sciences in Wels appeal not only to students from Higher Technical Education Institutes (HTL) and students from Academic Secondary Schools (AHS) but also to people without matriculation qualifications (Matura) who are completing the qualifying course for entrance as external students," explains Hinterhölzl. "Entering the second or possibly even the third semester is also particularly attractive for HTL graduates with a relevant subject, e.g. after mandatory military service.“   

The fervent application phase for the coming academic year is currently underway. "Everyone with an interest in lightweight construction and natural sciences such as chemistry or physics is very welcome. There are currently still a few places available," reports Hinterhölzl. Further information is available at www.fh-ooe.at/lcw .