In a concerted effort to implement the “Chief Engineer Education” philosophy and enhance students’ practical engineering skills and industry awareness, QMES organised a substantive and enriching introductory internship for 235 undergraduate students from 23 to 25 June 2025. The students visited multiple leading enterprises, including AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industry Group Company Ltd, China Flight Test Establishment, Xi’an Bright Laser Technologies Co., Ltd, Hainan Airlines Holding Co., Ltd, and Shaanxi fast auto drive Refco Group Ltd.
On 23 June, QMES faculty and students visited Shaanxi Fast Auto Drive Refco Group Ltd (Fast Gear) and AIR CHANG AN Co., Ltd. for observational learning. At Fast Gear, the tour included the multifunctional laboratory and production lines, where students gained an in-depth understanding of the application of advanced motor technology in addressing critical technological bottlenecks. They received a systematic overview of R&D and manufacturing achievements in the AMT series and new energy motor systems. The enterprise’s Party building initiatives and cultural development also left a strong impression, further deepening the students’ appreciation of the “Craftsman’s Spirit” and sense of mission within the industry.
That afternoon, the QMES delegation visited HNA Technic for an on-site observational internship. Students engaged in face-to-face and direct discussions with professionals, toured the aircraft cockpit, and experienced at close hand the unique appeal of aviation technology. They gained insight into the design features and technical variations among different aircraft models. This visit not only broadened the students’ professional horizons and strengthened the integration of theoretical knowledge with practical application but also provided valuable experience and motivation for their future career choices and development.
On 24 June, the QMES group conducted a study tour to Xi’an Bright Laser Technologies Co., Ltd (BLT). Guided by company staff, students explored BLT’s smart manufacturing facilities and corporate exhibition hall. They observed the entire production process of 3D-printed components and examined a range of products, including precision aerospace parts and custom medical implants. These displays highlighted the distinctive advantages of additive manufacturing technology in producing complex structural parts. Throughout the tour, students posed thoughtful questions and interacted with technical staff, deepening their understanding of the applications and prospects of 3D printing technology.
On the morning of 25 June, QMES faculty and students visited AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industry Group Company Ltd, beginning their tour at the Skin Forming Plant. As the “outer skin” of an aircraft, the quality of these panels directly influences aerodynamic performance and flight safety. The students observed the detailed manufacturing process from raw material to finished product, witnessing stringent precision and quality control in procedures such as stamping and stretching. In the Sheet Metal Manufacturing Plant, amid the sound of operating machinery, they learned about the manufacturing techniques involved in producing key components like fuselage and wing structures, including cutting, forming, and welding, with particular emphasis on the practical application of roll bending in aircraft production. The most inspiring part was gaining in-depth insight into the complete manufacturing process of the C919 airliner, China’s independently developed aircraft, from design and R&D to final assembly and testing. Witnessing this firsthand underscored the substantial capabilities of China’s aviation industry and evoked a strong sense of national pride.
In the afternoon, the group arrived at the China Flight Test Establishment. At the Merit Aircraft Park, they viewed a historic display of distinguished combat aircraft, including the Shenyang J-6, Chengdu J-7, and Shenyang J-8Ⅱ. The Shenyang J-6, an early jet fighter produced in China based on Soviet technology, made significant contributions to national defence. Its successor, the Chengdu J-7, offered enhanced performance and became a crucial asset for the Air Force. The Shenyang J-8Ⅱ, a high-altitude high-speed fighter independently developed in China, marked a new phase in the nation’s aviation industry. Through this visit, the students gained a clear understanding of the evolution of military aircraft in China and a deep appreciation of the determined efforts that built the aviation industry from the ground up. They were profoundly moved by the dedication and quiet perseverance of the scientists and workers behind these achievements.
The observational internship was successfully concluded, with participating students widely describing it as highly rewarding and expressing strong confidence and anticipation for their future. By deeply integrating classroom learning with real-world applications, they not only strengthened their understanding of specialised theories and broadened their industry perspectives, but also gained a genuine appreciation of the outstanding achievements and formidable capabilities of China’s aviation sector. This experience further ignited a powerful sense of national pride. Through in-depth exchanges with industry experts, the students gained tangible insight into the remarkable accomplishments of the national aviation industry and developed clearer and more determined plans for their future career paths.
This internship represents a key practical initiative by QMES to implement the “Chief Engineer Education” philosophy. Moving forward, QMES will continue to deepen the integration of industry, academia, research, and application, strengthen collaboration with leading enterprises in the sector, and expand high-quality practical platforms. These efforts will support students in becoming outstanding engineering and technological talents capable of leading industry development, thereby contributing their youth and expertise to the pursuit of technological self-reliance and national strategic goals.
Text: Chen Siyu, Zeng Jiahe, Shi Fengyuan, Wang Caihan, Ding Jing
Photo: QMES
Editors: Zhang Yuchen and Chen Xinyan
Translator: Shen Xinyi
Reviewer: Wang
