Building on the incredible work we started with the Department for Transport in 2020, we’re thrilled to be introducing even more young people to the exciting possibilities of a career in aviation in 2025 – thanks to newly awarded funding.
Last year we exceeded our agreed targets with the DfT, reaching over 70,000 children across England; introducing them to men and women in a vast array of roles – from pilots to aerospace engineers, heads of radar to legal counsel, flight instructors to marketing managers. All designed to open up new career options to children in primary and secondary schools, and enable them to interact with diverse role models.
For 2025 we’ve great plans to…
- Reach (and inspire) 30,000 further children into the opportunities available in the aviation sector, to secure the next generation of aviation professionals.
- Focus on disadvantaged areas where children wouldn’t be aware of the diverse scope of roles available.
- Break down gender stereotypes around ‘typical’ aviation roles.
We’ll do this through continuing our engaging events with schools – using both our in‑person events where workplace volunteers share career stories and tips in schools, and our successful virtual events which reach schools and pupils at scale.
Aviation
One of the key ways we connect schools with inspirational role models is through Inspiring the Future, our flagship online platform and programme. It allows schools to engage with volunteers from a wide range of sectors, including aviation, helping students discover exciting career options they may never have considered. Just some of the themes for the aviation events include…
- Women in Aviation
- Beyond the Cockpit: Hidden Careers in Aviation
- The Future of Flight: Innovation & Sustainability in Aviation
aviation
Schools can also access our database of over 500 aviation role models to create or enhance their own careers events. Our team are here to offer guidance with these as well as teaching resources and bespoke aviation-sector teacher training.
New teaching and volunteer resources are also planned, providing everything teachers need to run engaging lessons with aviation volunteers – including lesson plans, starter activities and guidance on how to get the best from volunteers.
Get involved
If you’re a school and you’d like to be part of our Inspiring Aviation campaign to inspire your children – for free – find out more (and join the programme) using the button below.
If you work in the aviation sector in any shape or form, we’d love to have you on board (excuse the pun) – the button below tells you more about volunteering and how rewarding it is.
Learn more about the aviation campaign or volunteer hereaviation
About the Government’s programme
The ‘Reach for the Sky’ programme helps young people start a career in aviation by breaking down the barriers that exist, which include lack of awareness and stereotyped roles. The air transport and aerospace sector contribute £20bn to the UK economy, and investing in the next generation will secure long-term economic growth and deliver on the government’s Plan for change.
The Reach for the Sky scheme is providing funding to 16 organisations across the UK in 2025, and has reached 100,000 people to date.