Aviation Minister Baroness Vere has announced £750,000 of additional Government funding to encourage young people to consider a career in aviation during a visit to Norwich Airport today.

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.

Generation Aviation

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.

By making sure the workforce is open to people of all backgrounds, the initiative will bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, enabling the industry to adapt and thrive.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere 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.”

STEM

Sophie Jones, Head of Organisational Capacity and STEM Sponsor at UK Civil Aviation Authority 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.”Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter