At a glance
- The UK Civil Aviation Authority has announced an ambitious initiative to engage over 100,000 students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) activities
- The number mirrors the current workforce of the entire UK aerospace sector, underlining the significance of this educational push.
- As part of this initiative, the STEM programme is partnering with numerous organisations including Fantasy Wings.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has committed to engaging with more than 100,000 young people across the UK - mirroring the current workforce of the entire UK aerospace sector - in STEM activities over the next academic year.
The new target – which is supported through taxpayer funding - was kick started today at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s STEM Team are running an activity based on handling dangerous goods, showcasing a Lego constructed and motorised helicopter, powered by hydrogen to show young people how helicopters work, and fuel alternatives, and a ‘My First Flight Computer’, an activity focusing on problem-solving, the use of algorithms and forward planning.
Ben Alcott, Director and STEM Ambassador, at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
"Empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the aerospace sector is crucial, and our partnerships help provide young people with the opportunity to engage with STEM from a young age.
“By reaching 100,000 students as a new goal from here onwards, we aim to inspire future engineers, pilots, and innovators who will continue to drive the UK’s aviation industry forward."
Between 2023 to July 2024, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s outreach with young people engaged with more than 70,000 people – inspiring their future career choices in aviation and aerospace.
More than 40 events took place in this time, including supporting our STEM partners, Jon Egging Trust, and Fantasy Wings.
As part of the regulators commitment to enabling the aerospace sector to grow, its STEM programme will work with its partners to engage with young people across the UK through a series of interactive workshops, school visits, and educational resources.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is also pleased to announce that this year, the STEM programmes partnerships – supported by taxpayer funding – includes:
- The Jon Egging Trust, Fantasy Wings Primary Engineer
- The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust)
- Get with the Program Moon Landing Coding Adventure
The goal is to ignite passion and interest in STEM subjects, encouraging young people to consider careers in aviation and aerospace.
Each partnership offers young people unique opportunities to gain skills in STEM regardless of their background, to develop the necessary capabilities needed to develop a career in aviation and aerospace.
For example, the Moon Landing Coding Adventure will provide children aged 5-11 access to the learning opportunities technology provides.
Notes to editors
- 110,000 people work in the UK aerospace sector according to ADS figures from 2022: UK Aerospace Outlook 2022 - ADS Group
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