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UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps called for greater diversity in the aviation industry, as he sought to address the skills shortages in the sector by meeting key groups from across the General Aviation industry in Parliament last week

The Transport Secretary hosted business leaders and representatives from flying schools, the UK Civil Aviation Authority, the Airport Operators Association, and organisations representing those with interests in the sector.

The summit focused on how the government can meet its commitment to support the industry and ensure it helps plug STEM shortages.

“To continue the success of our world leading aviation sector we must make sure the next generation, from every part of society, is ready to take up the mantle, said Shapps. "As the UK looks to Expo2020, I want to inspire our young people to look for new opportunities and drive innovation at home and abroad.

“General Aviation sparks imaginations, provides opportunities and breeds the aviation workforce of tomorrow, so it is vital we support this industry.”

The summit follows the recent launch of the ‘Reach for the Sky’ skills and training programme, launched earlier this month to address potential skills shortages in aviation and ensure the industry becomes more diverse, inclusive and accessible to all. The programme consists of four pillars:

• Raising the profile of the aviation industry to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.
• Outreach programmes to work in partnership and make the UK the best place for aviation.
• Career pathways to enhance awareness of the opportunities in the aviation industry and create clear career pathways.
• Skills and training to ensure that training is inclusive and accessible for all.

Reach for the Sky is aimed at attracting under-represented groups, and particularly young people, to careers in aviation by addressing financial and wider social barriers, and creating new opportunities in the sector. As part of the programme the Transport Secretary has appointed a number of aviation ambassadors:

The new Aviation Ambassadors are:

• Kirsty Murphy: A member of the flying aerobatics display team, The Blades, and the first woman to join the RAF Red Arrows.
• Particia Mawuli and Jonathan Porter: Together they overcame huge obstacles to pioneer flight training in Ghana for people of all backgrounds.
• Jo Salter: The RAF’s first female jet pilot.
• Captain Kate McWilliams: The world’s youngest female commercial captain in 2016, age 26.
• Arthur Williams: A former Royal Marine who trained to become an airline pilot after being paralysed in a car accident.
• Ayala Truelove and Claudia Hill: Members of the UK Women’s Gliding Team, representing Team GB at the World Championships.
• James Ketchell: The first person to circumnavigate the globe on a gyrocopter.

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 31st October 2019 | Issue #531