The UK government has announced a fresh round of funding worth £750,000 to support the next generation of aviation professionals through outreach and education initiatives aimed at disadvantaged young people.

The funding is part of the ‘Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund’, now in its fourth round. Applications are now open for programmes designed to inspire and guide young people – particularly those from ethnic minorities or low-income backgrounds – into careers in aviation.

Since its launch, the fund has awarded £2.5 million to 40 organisations, reaching more than 100,000 young people with programmes that include career events, mentoring, interactive workshops, and education partnerships with schools and universities.

To mark the launch of the latest round, UK Aviation Minister Mike Kane visited a youth centre in Liverpool where The King’s Trust, a current funding recipient, hosted a careers workshop for 16–30-year-olds. Attendees met aviation professionals and participated in employability workshops to develop the practical skills needed to enter the workforce.

Kane said: “This funding will enable organisations like The King’s Trust to reach out to disadvantaged kids and support them into careers in aviation. It also delivers on our promise to help the sector grow, by delivering the pilots, engineers and technicians of the future, boosting jobs and growth across the country as part of the Plan for Change.”

Among the success stories is James, 24, from Bath, UK, who struggled with mental health challenges that disrupted his education. After taking part in The King’s Trust’s ‘Get Ready with Aviation’ programme, he successfully applied to study Science, Engineering and Maths at Bristol University, starting this September.

He said: “Before the programme I felt lost and uncertain about my future. I’d always been interested in space, but didn’t know where to start or what my options were. It felt out of reach. The programme helped me realise working in the industry is possible and inspired me to apply for university and pursue my dream.”

Sophie Jones, STEM sponsor at the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), said: “As the aviation regulator, we are dedicated to inspiring the next generation who will take the sector forward. The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund helps reach people making the first step.

“By reaching and empowering diverse communities and creating a lasting impact we are inspiring young people across the UK to explore exciting careers in aviation.”

Julia Beaumont, chief technology and programmes officer at The King’s Trust, said: “During the past two years, this funding has been vital in raising awareness of the job opportunities available for young people in the aviation industry, alongside equipping them with the confidence and skills to pursue these roles.

“With a rapidly changing jobs market, supporting this generation to overcome the barriers they face in accessing these opportunities is crucial, not only benefitting them, but their local communities and economy.”

Applications for the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund are open until 12 September 2025. Proposals will be reviewed by a joint panel from the Department for Transport (DfT) and the CAA.

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