EasyJet targets school leavers in cabin crew recruitment drive  

EasyJet is seeking to recruit almost 1,000 new cabin crew for 2026 by encouraging school leavers to take up a career with the airline.

 

The budget carrier is targeting young people ‘not in employment, education or training’ (NEET).

 

The airline is also attempting to counter misconceptions about the role of flight attendants as part of a new ‘Flight Paths’ initiative to support early career and youth employment.

 

A poll of 2,000 people aged 16-24 found the majority (92%) were unaware that there are no minimum educational qualifications required to apply for the job, with two in three (66%) believing they would be under qualified for cabin crew training. 

 

As a result, almost nine in ten (88%) 16-24 years olds have never considered a career working for an airline – even though more than half (59%) would be interested in a career in aviation. 

 

The airline’s research also revealed that 89% of young men believe there is still a misconception that cabin crew is typically a role for women. 

 

As a result, around a third (38%) British men say they previously would not consider doing the job because of the traditional gender stereotypes around the role. 

 

Meanwhile, one in four (26%) 18-24s would be interested in a job that includes travel abroad, and 28% keen for a career that would involve being part of a team. 

 

EasyJet will be opening its Gatwick training centre this summer to offer free hands-on taster sessions, providing the opportunity to find out more about the job directly from the airline’s cabin crew and training experts.

 

Director of cabin services Michael Brown said: “We want to show young people that being cabin crew is more than just a job - it’s a career filled with variety, teamwork and opportunity, which has so much to offer to so many people as well as offering a pathway to progress in working within our wider industry too.  

 

“If you have enthusiasm, people skills and a willingness to learn something new, our taster sessions could be the perfect first step towards a new opportunity. We can’t wait to welcome a new generation of cabin crew on board.” 

 

Aviation minister Mike Kane said: “It’s fantastic to see British firm easyJet investing in our young people, encouraging and inspiring them into careers in aviation. 

  

“We are determined to break down barriers to opportunity in the UK to deliver our Plan for Change so everyone can pursue and progress in rewarding careers.” 

 

Natalie Puncher, who joined easyJet as cabin crew after leaving school in 2002 and is now head of customer and inflight standards, said: "I joined easyJet as cabin crew a year after leaving school and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. 

 

“I’ve gained so much confidence, met amazing people and travelled to places I never thought I’d see, all while building a career. Every day is different and I’ve learnt skills that I’ll carry with me for life."