UK launches £750,000 fund to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals

The UK government has opened applications for a new £750,000 Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund. The fund aims to encourage more young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in aviation and aerospace.

Announced by the Department for Transport (DfT), the latest funding round will support projects that inspire future pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals through outreach, mentoring and STEM education. The initiative comes as the UK aviation sector prepares for long-term growth and increasing demand for skilled workers. 

Building the future aviation workforce

The government said UK airports handled a record 302 million passengers in 2025, with annual passenger numbers forecast to grow to around 465 million by 2050. Meeting that demand will require a larger and more diverse workforce across the aviation sector. 

The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund has already supported projects that have inspired more than one million people, helping to widen access to careers traditionally underrepresented by women, ethnic minorities and disadvantaged communities. 

Applications for the latest funding round are now open to organisations across the UK.

Funding supports hands-on aviation experiences

Previous projects backed by the fund have included:

• Immersive aviation experiences using virtual reality and interactive technology.
• STEM workshops introducing young people to aerospace careers.
• Mentoring programmes with aviation professionals.
• Careers events and employability support.
• Coding activities linked to aviation technology.

One example is Fantasy Wings, which uses immersive technology and interactive experiences to introduce young people to the wide range of careers available across aviation and aerospace. 

Focus on diversity and inclusion in UK aviation

The programme aims to reduce barriers that prevent many young people from considering careers in aviation.

Aviation Minister Keir Mather said the funding will help ensure the UK’s aviation sector has the skilled workforce needed for future growth while opening opportunities to a broader range of young talent. 

“Aviation careers should be open to every young person with the ambition and talent to succeed, regardless of background,” Mather said. “We’ve delivered more than £3 million to help over a million young Brits see aviation as a career they can be part of – whether that be as a pilot, an engineer, an air traffic controller or a ground handler.

“With record passenger numbers last year and plans to grow our aviation sector across the UK, our funding will help bring in the skilled workforce of the future to drive economic growth.”

According to the Department for Transport, funded organisations will be expected to help raise awareness of aviation careers, build confidence among young people and improve access to employment opportunities across the sector. 

CAA will administer the scheme

Applications will be assessed by a joint panel from the Department for Transport and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which administers the programme on behalf of the government. Successful organisations will deliver projects designed to improve employability and increase workforce diversity within UK aviation. 

Sophie Jones, Head of Customer Experience and STEM Sponsor at the CAA, said the authority was committed “to enabling the next generation, regardless of background, to shape the future of the aerospace sector.”   

She added that the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund would be vital in “supporting organisations that inspire young people to explore opportunities.”

“Through programmes like this, we can help build a more diverse and talented workforce, bringing fresh skills, perspectives and innovation to the future of aviation and aerospace,” Jones concluded. 

Fresh funding for the Reach for the Sky Challenge follows other government investments in aviation announced around the Farnborough International Airshow, including over £7 million in funding for zero-emission flight technologies.