Latest news with #JohnNicholson
BBC News
16-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Tyne Bridge restoration: Meet the apprentices
Among the apprentices restoring of the Tyne Bridge is a wannabe welder working with his dad on a proud task his grandad undertook 40 years ago. In 1984, John Nicholson was part of a team of contractors completing essential maintenance work on the iconic structure linking Gateshead and Newcastle. Four decades on, his grandson Charlie Nicholson, 18, is working on the current restoration efforts as part of a welding and fabricating apprenticeship with his dad. The family business has been part of the project from the beginning, having carried out some of the initial investigations into the state of the bridge. Charlie said: "It's been challenging, especially some of the paperwork, but getting down and dirty is what I've always wanted to do. It's good."It's nice to carry on something. My grandad started and finished it and now I've started and I'm gonna finish it." When asked about working with his Dad, Charlie was complimentary: "We get on really well, I think you need to if you're working with family."We argue sometimes - I'm normally right." Dad Paul Nicholson has a different perception: "There's the odd discrepancy, who's right, who's wrong. Normally I'll come out on top though." Paul, 54, told the BBC he was proud to be working on a regional landmark: "It's iconic. Everyone wants to work on the Tyne Bridge."It's one of the biggest achievements in my, even in my dad's lifetime." While Charlie and Paul are currently working below the bridge, another apprentice - Taylor Macdonald - is working on the bridge deck where commuters and pedestrians travel. Taylor, 32, is an apprentice industrial painter and the Tyne Bridge restoration is his first project since he left the army after 13 years of service. He was supported by Building Heroes, a charity that helps veterans retain and unlock a new career in construction. He described the transition out of military service as challenging, but said: "I don't think I could be in an office. "After being in the infantry for 13 years, you can't just go straight to sitting in an office I don't think."For me it was definitely about something hands-on." Completing an apprenticeship means Taylor is still able to financially support his family. "Originally when I was leaving I was a bit worried because there is this question of am I gonna be able to walk into a new job."Everyone's got bills to pay. "They brought me in for a week, to see if I liked it and to see if they wanted to take me on, but it's the same as any job."You don't just walk in at the top, but for them to put me through the qualifications is brilliant." "For now, it's just a matter of learning on the job." Restoration work is expected to continue on the Tyne Bridge until Summer 2028. The BBC understands the project remains on schedule, with many hoping the work will be complete in time for the bridge's centenary in October 2028. John Nicholson died in 2024, but not before he was able to see both his son and grandson set to work on the Tyne Bridge just as he had in 1984. Paul said: "He was really proud, just as I am so proud of Charlie as well." Follow BBC Newcastle on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Mid East Info
10-02-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Lockheed Martin Celebrates 50 Years of Partnership with UAE at IDEX 2025, Showcasing Cutting-Edge Innovation
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Feb, 2025 – Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) is marking 50 years of partnership with the UAE by spotlighting its vision for 21st Century Security® at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX), set for Feb. 17–21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. This milestone highlights five decades of collaboration that began in 1975 with the delivery of the first C-130 Hercules airlifter to the Abu Dhabi Defense Force and has grown into a partnership strengthening regional security and advancing cutting-edge innovation. 'Celebrating 50 years of partnership with the UAE is a proud moment for Lockheed Martin, demonstrating how our long-standing collaboration continues to strengthen regional security, develop local talent, and help our partners navigate evolving challenges with confidence and capability,' said Gen. John Nicholson (U.S. Army, Ret.), chief executive, Lockheed Martin Middle East. 'IDEX provides a world-class platform to showcase our commitment to advanced defense technologies, innovation, and the transformative role of AI in modern security. We look forward to engaging with global and regional leaders at this important event.' Lockheed Martin will showcase a variety of advanced technologies that address security and interoperability challenges across all domains—land, air, sea and space. Exhibits will include next-generation fighter jets, state-of-the-art helicopters, advanced air and missile defense systems, and sophisticated command-and-control platforms. By pairing innovation with its legacy of collaboration, Lockheed Martin continues to demonstrate its commitment to partnering for security and prosperity, providing the tools and expertise that ensure mission success and bolster global stability. The event also features a dedicated showcase of projects developed by UAE interns at Lockheed Martin's Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) in Masdar City. CISS has trained hundreds of Emirati students in robotics, artificial intelligence, networked systems, and modelling and simulation, nurturing the next generation of aerospace and defense leaders while creating valuable opportunities in the UAE's expanding defense ecosystem. Lockheed Martin is also a gold sponsor of the International Defense Conference (IDC), which will take place Feb. 16, 2025. Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed Martin's Missiles and Fire Control, will participate in a panel discussion titled 'Global Disruptions and Defense Preparedness: Mitigating Threats to Critical Supply Chains,' reflecting the company's strategic role in delivering essential defense systems around the world. Over the past 50 years, Lockheed Martin's partnership with the UAE has grown from delivering tactical airlifters to fostering sovereign capabilities through industrial collaboration, knowledge sharing and workforce development. As the company marks this milestone, it remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation, empowering future talent, and shaping the future of 21st Century Security, with a focus on artificial intelligence's transformative potential to safeguard future generations. About Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.
Broadcast Pro
31-01-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Lockheed Martin celebrates graduation of 56 UAE interns from CISS programme
The programme offers hands-on experience in advanced fields, including artificial intelligence for automating foreign object debris identification, modeling and simulation for defense systems and space exploration initiatives. Photo credit: WAM Lockheed Martin has honoured the achievements of 56 UAE interns at the third annual graduation ceremony for its Centre for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) internship programme. The event, held on January 30 at the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, also welcomed 15 alumni from previous cohorts, reinforcing the companys dedication to STEM education and human capital development in the UAE. Originally launched in 2017 with just four students, the CISS internship programme has expanded into a year-round initiative to meet increasing demand. The annual graduation ceremonies, now in their third edition, celebrate students who completed internships across spring, summer and fall terms. The 2024 cohort featured a diverse group, with 37% women and 55% Emirati nationals. The ceremony, hosted by Gen. John Nicholson (U.S. Army, Ret.), Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin Middle East, and CISS Manager Hala Majeed Al Zargani, highlighted innovative projects developed by the interns. The event was attended by dignitaries, business leaders, academics and members of the diplomatic community, culminating in a certificate presentation. Nicholson said: 'Developing human capital is essential to building a knowledge-based economy in the UAE. Through our STEM-focused internship programme, we are equipping the next generation with the skills to drive innovation, sustain economic growth, and contribute meaningfully to the aerospace and defence sectors.' Al Zargani added: 'Our graduates have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity and technical expertise. Their work on real-world projects prepares them to excel in critical industries shaping the future and encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that will be crucial in tackling complex challenges.' The CISS programme provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge fields, including artificial intelligence for automating foreign object debris identification, defence system modelling and simulation and space exploration initiatives. As part of Lockheed Martins commitment to Emiratisation and workforce development, the programme is set to expand further, with plans to double its training capacity in the coming years. Tags: internship programmelockheed martinSTEMUAE internsCISS programme
Mid East Info
30-01-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Lockheed Martin Honors 56 Interns at Third Annual CISS Graduation Ceremony in Abu Dhabi - Middle East Business News and Information
Cohort in 2024 comprised 37 % women and 55% Emirati nationals. ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Jan, 2025 – Lockheed Martin celebrated the accomplishments of 56 UAE interns at the third annual graduation ceremony for its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions (CISS) internship program. Held on Jan. 30 at the Marriott Hotel Al Forsan in Abu Dhabi, the event also welcomed 15 distinguished alumni from previous cohorts, reaffirming the company's commitment to advancing STEM education and human capital development in the Emirates. Launched in 2017 with just four students, the CISS internship program has evolved into a year-round initiative to meet growing demand. The annual graduation ceremonies, now in their third year, reflect this expansion, honoring students who completed internships during the previous spring, summer, and fall programs. Hosted by Gen. John Nicholson (U.S. Army, Ret.), chief executive of Lockheed Martin Middle East, and CISS Manager Hala Majeed Al Zargani, the event showcased innovative projects from the student cohort, which in 2024 comprised 37 % women and 55% Emirati nationals. The ceremony welcomed dignitaries, business leaders, academics, and members of the diplomatic community. Attendees received an overview of the program and its projects, followed by a certificate presentation. 'Developing human capital is essential to building a knowledge-based economy in the UAE,' said Nicholson. 'Through our STEM-focused internship program, we are equipping the next generation with the skills to drive innovation, sustain economic growth, and contribute meaningfully to the aerospace and defense sectors.' 'Our graduates have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity and technical expertise,' said Al Zargani. 'Their work on real-world projects prepares them to excel in critical industries shaping the future and encourages innovative thinking and problem-solving skills that will be crucial in tackling complex challenges.' The CISS program offers hands-on experience in advanced fields, including artificial intelligence for automating foreign object debris identification, modeling and simulation for defense systems, and space exploration initiatives. Its growth into a year-round program underscores Lockheed Martin's commitment to Emiratization and cultivating a skilled local workforce, with the company set to double its training capacity in the coming years. About Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready.
