UK Invests £750K to Train Future Pilots and Engineers
The UK government has announced £750,000 ($1 million) in new funding to support disadvantaged young people in pursuing careers in aviation. Part of the fourth round of the “Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund,” the initiative aims to remove financial and social barriers that often prevent underrepresented youth from becoming pilots, engineers, and aviation professionals.
The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund helps organizations deliver aviation-focused outreach programs targeting disadvantaged groups, including ethnic minorities and students from low-income backgrounds. Activities supported by the fund include career fairs, mentoring initiatives, hands-on STEM demonstrations, and school and university partnerships.
Since its launch, the fund has distributed £2.5 million to 40 organizations and reached over 100,000 young people across the UK. This latest round of funding continues the government’s commitment to developing a more inclusive aviation workforce and addressing the sector’s long-term talent needs.
“This investment is about breaking down the barriers that hold people back from pursuing high-skill, high-wage careers in aviation,” said Aviation Minister Mike Kane. “It’s also a key part of our strategy to deliver growth and opportunity through a stronger, more diverse workforce.”
Applications for the fund are open through September 12, 2025. Proposals will be evaluated by a panel that includes representatives from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which also oversees the fund’s administration.
The funding is expected to boost opportunities for organizations like The King’s Trust and similar groups, helping to train the next generation of aviation talent and fuel industry growth nationwide.
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