We’re sparking curiosity about aviation through hands-on events and immersive activities, linking young people with industry professionals to explore a range of careers.
As aviation contributes £20bn to the UK economy and supports thousands of jobs – the Department for Transport is funding our project to encourage young people into a career in aviation – and provide the workforce for the future.
We started our Inspiring Aviation programme in 2020. In 2025/26, we’re stepping things up again with both in-person and virtual events to inspire a whole new audience of young people. They’ll get the chance to meet truly awesome volunteers from across the aviation industry – people who can bring the sector to life and spark imaginations. Together we are:
- Inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals
- Reaching people who wouldn’t otherwise know about the opportunities available in aviation
- Having a broad impact by engaging as many young people as possible
What it’s meant for children
So far, we’ve reached over 110,000 children in more than 700 primary and secondary schools across England in just the first two years of delivery – with an incredible 95% of teachers rating our events as above average or excellent.
We’re proud to be working hand-in-hand with employers across aviation, showing children just how many possibilities are out there – from jet pilots to drone engineers, and even those helping shape the future of flying taxis.
And it’s making a real difference: 69% of secondary students told us they’d be interested in an aviation job after taking part in one of our sessions, and 100% of teachers agreed their pupils learned about brand-new roles in aviation.
“The presenters were excellent and engaging. The interactive aspect was well thought out and appropriate.” – Teacher, Live Virtual Event
Inspiring role models
Through in-person and virtual activities, volunteers from the aviation sector share their inspirational career stories and spark the imaginations of young people. This increases their knowledge of the world of work and helps them understand the skills and qualifications needed to work in aviation.
We’re especially committed to reaching underprivileged and under-represented groups, breaking the invisible “glass ceiling” and opening up opportunities. The same goes for inspiring more girls into roles often seen as male-dominated – something our female pilots showcase brilliantly.
How schools can get involved
We’re organising events ourselves, which schools across the country can join – especially the virtual events, the more the merrier!
Schools can also use our platform to access our database of aviation volunteers and arrange their own inspiring event. Many of our team are ex-teachers, so we can provide resources and guidance to help teachers run their own sessions.
I work in aviation and I’d like to get involved as a volunteer
By sharing your aviation career story, you can have a significant impact on the young people you speak with and the future of the aviation industry. You’ll have access to Inspiring the Future volunteer resources, and teachers will be able to invite you to participate in their activities.
“They were given an understanding of the variation in roles within aviation, not just pilots.” – Volunteer, aviation industry
We’re looking for everyone from meteorologists and travel agents to air traffic controllers, marketing managers, engineers, pilots and reservation agents, to show young people the range of opportunities available. If you can give an hour of your time in 2025 that would be fantastic.
I’m an employer in the aviation sector and want my organisation to get involved
There are lots of ways for employers to get involved, from supporting your employees to volunteer to hosting events, being featured in our video resources for schools or joining our teacher training sessions to educate schools on the sector and your organisation.
Please complete the expression of interest form if you’d like to discuss how you can get involved.
I work in a school and our students would benefit from Inspiring Aviation
Your pupils will learn about a huge array of jobs they may never have considered when you get involved in Inspiring Aviation.
You can:
– Join our virtual events planned throughout the year
– Invite aviation volunteers to take part in your own activities, either in school or virtually
Whichever you choose, your students will learn about essential skills, different career paths, and the school subjects that matter for future opportunities. Schools also get access to new teaching resources and training sessions.
Whichever you choose, your students can learn about necessary skills, different career paths and the school subjects that are important for future opportunities. There will also be the opportunity for your school to access new teaching resources and training sessions.
Please complete the expression of interest form if you’d like to get involved.
About Reach for the Sky
‘Reach for the Sky’ is the UK government’s aviation skills programme aimed at inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals whilst striving to make aviation diverse, inclusive and accessible to all. The programme partners with industry, educators and organisations to raise the profile of aviation, create new and improved career pathways, develop enhanced outreach activities, and make training more financially accessible.
