UK Civil Aviation Authority set to inspire 100,000 students

Credit: CAA

The UK Civil Aviation Authority have announced a commitment to engage with more 100,000 young people across the United Kingdom in STEM activities over the next academic year.

The new target, which is supported by taxpayer funding, was kick started at the Farnborough International Airshow.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s STEM Team use a Lego constructed and motorised helicopter, powered by hydrogen, to show young people how helicopters work as well as fuel alternatives. Another tool is ‘My First Flight Computer,’ an activity which focuses on problem solving, algorithms and forward planning.

Ben Alcott, Director and STEM Ambassador, at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in the aerospace sector is crucial, and our partnerships help provide young people with the opportunity to engage with STEM from a young age. 

“By reaching 100,000 students as a new goal from here onwards, we aim to inspire future engineers, pilots, and innovators who will continue to drive the UK’s aviation industry forward.” 

Between 2023 to July 2024, the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s outreach with young people engaged with more than 70,000 people – inspiring their future career choices in aviation and aerospace.

More than 40 events took place in this time, including supporting their STEM partners, Jon Egging Trust, and Fantasy Wings.  

As part of the regulators commitment to enabling the aerospace sector to grow, its STEM programme will work with its partners to engage with young people across the UK through a series of interactive workshops, school visits, and educational resources.  

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is also pleased to announce that this year, the STEM programmes partnerships – supported by taxpayer funding – includes:

• The Jon Egging Trust, Fantasy Wings Primary Engineer
• The King’s Trust (formerly The Prince’s Trust)
• Get with the Program Moon Landing Coding Adventure

The goal is to ignite passion and interest in STEM subjects, encouraging young people to consider careers in aviation and aerospace. 

Each partnership offers young people unique opportunities to gain skills in STEM regardless of their background, to develop the necessary capabilities needed to develop a career in aviation and aerospace. 

For example, the Moon Landing Coding Adventure will provide children aged 5-11 access to the learning opportunities technology provides.