MAG kicks-off UK-wide Careers Festival roadshow to inspire thousands of young people about aviation

MAG kicks-off UK-wide Careers Festival roadshow to inspire thousands of young people about aviation

An error occurred while preparing your download

· UK's largest airports group launched programme with funding from the DfT and CAA's 'Reach for the Sky Fund'

· First event held at London Stansted, attracting more than 500 young people from neighbouring communities

· Events set to be held at Manchester and East Midlands Airport in the coming months

Thousands of young people are learning about the exciting careers they can pursue in aviation, as the UK's largest airports group launched a nationwide Careers Festival roadshow.

Manchester Airports Group (MAG) - backed by the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority's Reach for the Sky Fund - is holding the festivals to provide young people from its neighbouring communities the opportunity to meet potential future employers face-to-face.

MAG is uniquely placed to inspire young people the length and breadth of the country, with airports in the North (Manchester), Midlands (East Midlands) and South (London Stansted).

The first Careers Festival was held at Stansted yesterday, attended by more than 500 students aged 14-19, from 12 schools across Essex and Hertfordshire. Managing Director Gareth Powell opened the event, with a keynote speech delivered by Cllr Petrina Lees, the Leader of Uttlesford District Council.

Aviation Minister Keir Mather said:

"Through our Reach for the Sky programme we've invested over £800,000 in the last year - including £85,000 for Manchester Airports Group's careers festivals - helping give thousands of young people opportunities to learn about the varied career paths into aviation.

"The UK has a proud aviation heritage, and alongside leading industry players, we're inspiring young people from all backgrounds to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding futures."

MAG CEO Ken O'Toole said:

"The launch of our Careers Festival roadshow is our latest commitment to inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals and about careers in our sector.

"With airports spanning the length of the UK, we understand our responsibility as major employer to provide positive and meaningful experiences that ensure young people understand the breath of careers opportunities on offer to them at our airports.

"Creating a pipeline of future talent for our industry is vital to its future success, and I am proud of the role MAG is playing - working together with Government, regulators and industry partners - to deliver that."

Exhibitors at the Stansted event included The Royal Aeronautical Society, Ryanair Engineering, Jet2.om, and Swissport, alongside a number of departments from MAG including early talent, landside and airside operations and environment. They delivered hands-on activities and tech demonstrations, from flight simulators to an AI photo booth, designed to showcase the skills and technology behind modern aviation.

Students also attended a number of sessions, where industry professionals including shared insights into their specialist areas, helping young people understand the diverse roles and pathways available in the sector.

Brenda Jefcoate, STEM Lead at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "These events are a fantastic opportunity for young people to learn about the huge variety of careers in aviation, and we're really excited to be supporting Manchester Airport Group in encouraging the next generation."

"With new technologies and challenges, bringing in new talent is essential for the aviation system to grow, and we are keen to support similar projects which connect with local communities."

Gareth Powell, Managing Director at London Stansted, said:

"We're proud to have hosted such an inspiring event for local young people. London Stansted offers a huge range of exciting careers, and this festival gives students the chance to experience that first-hand and see those opportunities brought to life. Our partners and colleagues did a fantastic job showcasing the skills and technology that keep our airport running."

Louis Mason from New Hall School, Chelmsford, who hopes to pursue a career as a pilot. He said:

"I had no idea how many different jobs there are at London Stansted or the different ways you can get into them. It was great to speak to people who work there and take part in the interactive activities. It's really opened my eyes to future career options and made me even more excited about flying."

MAG is a major employer in the regions its serves - directly employing more than 7,000 people across its airport sites and supporting a total of 42,000 jobs in the North, Midlands and South.

Building a future talent pipeline for the aviation sector and creating opportunity for all is a core pillar of MAG's Sustainability Strategy: Creating a sustainable future for all. The Group has a long-standing grass roots education and skills programme, supporting young people from the age of four - 18 through its on-site Aerozones, Airport Academies and the UK's only aviation dedicated further education facility, Stansted Airport College.

As part of its Strategy, the Group is committed to supporting 70,000 young people through its educations and skills programme by 2030.

MAG is also set to host Careers Festivals at Manchester Airport on 24 February and at East Midlands Airport on 26 March, where more than 1,000 young people from schools and colleges across the North West and East Midlands are set to attend.