The government has commited £750,000 to inspire future generations of aviators and this funding is hoped to grow the economy byensuring that the aviation industry has a workforce fit for the future.

This is part of the Generation Aviation initiative, a government-industry collaboration aiming to support the aviation industry to address issues like sustainability and new technologies.

The funding is part of the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, first announced in 2022, and is designed to break down barriers for those who have previously struggled to get a foothold in the aviation industry. It targets those schemes which provide an entry point for people who are from underprivileged backgrounds or under-represented groups, building on our mission to spread opportunity and help people of all ages and groups into work.

The scheme is one strand of the government’s Generation Aviation initiative, which aims to support the industry by delivering sustainable aviation and growing the economy.

Baroness Vere, Aviation Minister said:

"I want the aviation sector to be an inclusive and inviting one, and I am committed to ensuring that young people have opportunities to pursue rewarding careers in this sector.This investment is crucial to help make the UK the best place in the world for aviation and grow the economy, with a diverse workforce that can effectively address challenges today and in the future. The government is dedicated to working with the industry to ensure that jobs in the aviation sector are accessible to everyone."

Sophie Jones, Head of Organisational Capacity and STEM Sponsor at UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said:

"The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund is playing a key role in removing barriers for those who want to pursue a career in aviation and aerospace. The fund will help give young people the knowledge and training they need to develop essential skills for the sector. Investing in diverse mindsets is an important part of developing an innovative future for aviation in the UK."