Next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors named to inspire UK youth

Thousands of young people across the UK are set to be encouraged to consider careers in aviation following the government’s confirmation of the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors.

The ambassadors, drawn from across the aviation sector, will promote jobs, skills and training by visiting schools, hosting workshops and using social media to engage primary, secondary and college students across England.

Covering roles from ground handling and airfield safety to commercial flying, customer service and aviation law, the programme aims to raise awareness of the breadth of career pathways available across the industry.

A key focus will be inspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not previously have considered a future in aviation.

Aviation Minister Keir Mather said: “Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths, and we’re determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures.

“Our Aviation Ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers, and showing the sky really is the limit. By broadening horizons, we’re helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills.”

Among the newly appointed ambassadors is former Red Arrows chief engineer Ross Priday, who will draw on his wide-ranging experience to help bridge the gap between aviation and aerospace careers.

Priday said: “Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers.

“Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law and insurance, there truly is something for everyone.

“What’s exciting is that there are so many ways in. School leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a change from other industries can all find their path into aviation.

“Through my Aviation Ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them.”

Another new ambassador is Lauren Turner, operations director at East Midlands Airport, who has progressed from security officer to overseeing the entire airport operation in just 13 years. Turner will champion apprenticeships and practical pathways into aviation.

Also joining the cohort is Miguel Cabrera Vivas, a London-based aviation influencer and former Heathrow internal progression lead, known as The Aviation Mentor. He uses social media and in-person sessions to promote aviation as an accessible and inclusive career choice.

The initiative forms part of the Generation Aviation programme, which brings government and industry together to help build a future-ready aviation workforce and attract diverse new talent into the sector.

Other newly appointed ambassadors, who will begin their roles on 28 January, include Emma Garnham, training and compliance director at DHL; Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt, customer operations coordinator at Jet2; Sigourney Ansah, future cadet pilot at easyJet; Sam Higgins, student outreach manager at British Airways; Ken Eckersall, director of KenEck; David Gardner, aviation firefighter and medical lead for London Luton Airport’s first responder scheme; and Marcus Sellars, aviation automation and digital transport integration lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority.

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