Ten new ‘aviation ambassadors’ appointed by the government will serve as mentors in schools in an attempt to inspire the next generation to join the sector.
Ten schemes will share £750,000 over two years to inspire and help educate young people on the opportunities within aviation, according to the Department for Transport.
The line-up of ambassadors ranges from a TikTok influencer, who specialises in showing life behind the scenes at airports, to an RAF Air Cadet commander with more than a decade’s experience and a private pilot licence.
They include Alice Goodwin, a design and development engineer at Virgin Atlantic with a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and ambitions to become a chartered engineer.
Aviation minister Anthony Browne said: “As the aviation industry evolves, these new aviation ambassadors will shine a light on this rewarding sector, attracting talented individuals who might otherwise miss their opportunity.
“These ambassadors will help to attract even more innovation and creativity to the industry, showcasing the opportunities available in this exciting new era of new technology and decarbonisation.”
Goodwin, a mentor to young people at four aviation charities supporting people of colour to take up aviation careers, added: “Aviation engineering is a dynamic and interesting industry, full of passionate and inspiring individuals.
“I am really looking forward to being an ambassador and having the platform to showcase the amazing opportunities available in our industry to young people.”
Sophie Jones, head of organisational capability at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Young people are our future, and aviation is no exception.
“The work entrusted to these new aviation ambassadors in inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals is incredibly important, ensuring the sector continues to thrive and meet the challenges of the evolving technological landscape.”
Pictured: Aviation ambassador Alice Goodwin