The Aviation Minister has today (17 February 2025) launched the latest round of funding to encourage more young people into a career in aviation, helping to secure long term economic growth and ensuring the sector has the workforce needed for the future.
Now in its third round, the Government’s ‘Reach for the Sky’ programme will see £810,000 awarded to 16 organisations across the UK, from Cornwall to Newcastle.
The successful scheme, which totals £2.3 million, has now delivered funding to 37 outreach organisations and reached 100,000 people across the country.
Supporting young people to pursue careers such as pilots, navigators and controllers also aligns with the Government’s ambition to go further and faster to kickstart growth. As part of the drive to build up aviation capacity at Heathrow and across the sector – from increased travel options to more UK homegrown aviation jobs – expansion in the sector plays a crucial part in unlocking economic prosperity.
Reach for the Sky aims to break down barriers to opportunity and form the next generation of aviators, particularly by supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have considered a career in the sector before.
Funding will help organisations deliver events, interactive workshops, taster days, mentorship schemes and educational initiatives with schools, universities and career professionals.
Aviation Minister, Mike Kane, said:
“As part of our Plan for Change, we are breaking down barriers to opportunity so that every young person has the chance to pursue their dreams.
“Programmes like Reach for the Sky turn ambition into reality, helping to inspire young people and introducing them to the benefits of a career in the skies.
“I look forward to seeing the achievements of the next generation of aviators.”
With ONS data showing that young people from disadvantaged households are more likely to feel they do not have as much of a chance in life, programmes like Reach for the Sky help break down barriers to opportunity and expand horizons for underserved, hard-to-reach groups.
This year’s recipients of the DfT-funded scheme include SaxonAir, The King’s Trust and Employers and Educators, amongst others.
SaxonAir, who have been successful in previous rounds, offer a range of scholarships, volunteering programmes and events for people of all backgrounds.
One of their main initiatives is the INSPIRE programme, delivered in partnership with Business In The Community (BITC) at West Earlham Infant School. It aims to make the aviation industry inclusive for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
The initiative is already making a tangible difference, with teachers at West Earlham Infant School in Norwich reporting a surge in enthusiasm for aviation among pupils following a recent visit.
Hannah Colledge, HR and Wellbeing Coordinator at SaxonAir, said:
“Our INSPIRE Outreach Programme is designed to spark a passion for aviation from as young as five years old, offering tailored activities that align with different age groups and connect appropriately to the curriculum.
With support from the RFTS funding, we can extend our reach, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds have the chance to experience aviation firsthand.
“By breaking down barriers and bringing aviation opportunities to underrepresented communities, we are reinforcing our commitment to a more diverse and inclusive aviation sector”
