The UK government has announced \u00a3750,000 in new funding to support projects designed to inspire young people across the country to explore careers in aviation.<\/p>\n
Delivered through the Reach for the Sky programme, the funding will back initiatives ranging from STEM festivals and roadshows to coding and simulator-based activities.<\/p>\n
The aim is to raise awareness not only of traditional aviation roles, but also of the technical, creative and emerging career pathways that are often less visible across the sector.<\/p>\n
The announcement comes as the government moves forward with airport expansion plans at Gatwick and Luton, alongside proposals for a third runway at Heathrow, developments expected to create thousands of highly skilled aviation jobs in the years ahead.<\/p>\n
Among the recipients is TEC (Tech, Engineering, Creative) Women, which will receive nearly \u00a3100,000 to deliver STEM career festivals in Cornwall, encouraging more girls to consider aviation-related careers.<\/p>\n
East London Advanced Technology Training (ELATT<\/a>) will be awarded more than \u00a350,000 to engage young people from deprived communities through employer visits, workshops and clubs, while the Mason Foundation will receive \u00a330,000 to support neurodivergent school children in Manchester.<\/p>\n Aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister Keir Mather, said: \u201cThe\u202fUK\u202fhas a proud history in aviation which we are determined to continue by inspiring more young people to see the sector as a place where they can build their careers.<\/p>\n \u201cReach for the Sky plays a vital role in that mission, helping to break down barriers\u00a0to opportunity\u00a0and encouraging the next generation to aim high.<\/p>\n \u201cAlongside securing the future of\u00a0the\u00a0aviation\u00a0industry, this is about ensuring\u00a0young people from all backgrounds can see and learn about the varied and often highly skilled jobs and future opportunities that will deliver growth across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n Other projects supported include Fantasy Wings, Aerobility and Get with the Programme, while the scheme has also previously backed organisations such as the Air League and Codes4Drones.<\/p>\n The funding announcement follows the recent opening of applications for the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors and sits alongside wider government investment in sustainable aviation fuel production as part of its net zero strategy.<\/p>\n READ MORE NEWS: Record vocational training student cohort joins Iberia Maintenance<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n