The government has launched an aviation recruitment and engagement campaign to encourage the next generation to enter the industry.
The campaign builds on the government’s £1.5 million ‘Generation Aviation’ initiative to increase the number of people applying for jobs in the sector.
The campaign, launched on October 31, aims to help boost recruitment by raising awareness of aviation careers, signposting training and opportunities for people looking to enter or move up in the industry, championing the sector to celebrate its successes and promote it to a wider audience, and driving research and data to articulate the issues facing the industry.
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The campaign was unveiled at Heathrow’s Employment & Skills Academy which was attended by transport minister Baroness Vere.
“The aim of Generation Aviation is quite simply to build an aviation workforce fit for the future – a future that can only be realised by a new generation of aviation workers from all corners of the country, representing the rich diversity of modern Britain,” she said.
Additional events are scheduled for the coming days aimed at students both already in other careers looking to have a future in aviation, and those already in the industry keen to progress.
Heathrow’s learning and inclusion director Jason Knight said: “A successful aviation sector connects countries and continents.
“It acts as the global gateway for leisure, commerce and families and is a central pillar for local communities and the national economy.
“Generation aviation is a timely celebration of everything this sector provides and the opportunities we can create through career opportunities here.
“To support this, Heathrow has set two major targets: creating 10,000 jobs and apprenticeships and 15,000 ‘experience of work days’ by 2030.”
The pilots’ union Balpa welcomed the Generation Aviation initiative but said diversity in the industry can only be obtained if the ability to train as a pilot is not based merely on those that can afford it.
With initial training costs often more than £120,000 and no formal funding mechanisms available, there is a “huge barrier” for candidates.
Balpa said: “We look forward to working with this new government to ensure that the full cost of pilot training becomes eligible for student loans, breaking the unnecessary barriers to entry and supporting the industry’s future.