The UK government has announced an additional £810,000 in funding through the Reach for the Sky programme, aimed at inspiring and supporting young people to pursue careers in aviation.
This latest investment will be distributed among 16 organisations across the country, helping to cultivate the next generation of aviation professionals and drive long-term economic growth.
Investing in the future of aviation
With the air transport and aerospace sector contributing £20 billion to the UK economy, the government’s commitment to fostering new talent is part of its broader strategy for economic expansion. The Reach for the Sky initiative has now provided £2.3 million in total funding, benefiting 37 organisations and engaging 100,000 people from Cornwall to Carlisle.
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”.
Empowering young aviators
The funding will enable organisations to deliver hands-on experiences, workshops, mentorship programmes, and educational initiatives in collaboration with schools, universities, and career professionals. The programme focuses on roles such as pilots, navigators, and air traffic controllers, providing young people—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—with pathways into an industry they might not have previously considered.
Strengthening the UK’s aviation sector
This initiative aligns with the government’s wider ambitions to expand aviation capacity at Heathrow and other key hubs, create more homegrown aviation jobs, and enhance travel options. By investing in talent development, the Reach for the Sky scheme plays a crucial role in securing the sector’s long-term sustainability and ensuring the UK remains a global leader in aviation.
The latest funding round reaffirms the government’s commitment to breaking down barriers, fostering innovation, and equipping the next generation with the skills to soar in the aviation industry.