London Biggin Hill Airport is launching Unite to Inspire, a new initiative encouraging young people to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects, preparing them to become the next generation of aviation professionals.
Unite to Inspire brings together the airport’s business community of 70 resident aviation companies to motivate students into pursuing STEM subjects by demonstrating how this path can lead to stimulating jobs within aerospace. Participating businesses include Bombardier, Textron Aviation, RAS Completions and helicopter specialists Castle Air.
The initiative is part of a wide-ranging drive by London Biggin Hill to motivate young people to pursue careers in aviation. This includes a new on-site London Aerospace & Technology College – set to open in 2020 – as well as a number of scholarship programs at the airport.
Hannah Gray, newly appointed STEM ambassador, will head up the Unite to Inspire initiative.
Gray commented, “It is vitally important we showcase the many career opportunities available at London Biggin Hill, as our young people begin to plan their futures. This is one of the most exciting projects I have been asked to manage, and I look forward to introducing students to the varied career paths on offer at one of Europe’s fastest-growing business aviation airports.”
Andy Patsalides, marketing manager, London Biggin Hill Airport, said, “Aviation is undergoing a global workforce shortage, encompassing every part of the industry, be it engineers, air traffic controllers or pilots. Our local community is an intrinsic part of ensuring sustainable growth for the airport through this shortage.
“Within the last 12 months, we’ve increased employment from 1,000 to 1,300 jobs, and we’re on a mission to train and inspire home-grown talent to become the next generation of aviation professionals.”
