New Aviation Ambassadors announced to inspire future pilots, engineers and air traffic controllers
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10 industry professionals appointed to inspire young
people into aviation careers in the
industry, futureproofing the sector and upskilling
young Brits next cohort
of volunteers will start this
month, including a former Red Arrows Chief Engineer and
Operations Director of East Midlands Airport, to shine a light
on the wide range of aviation jobs and to encourage
recruits from diverse...Request free
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Thousands of young people across the UK will be inspired to pursue exciting and rewarding careers in aviation as the government confirms the next cohort of Aviation Ambassadors today (15 January 2026). The ambassadors are successful aviation professionals who promote jobs, skills and training in the sector by going into schools, hosting workshops, and using social media to reach primary, secondary and college students across England. From ground handling and airfield safety to commercial flying, customer service, and aviation law, the Aviation Ambassador programme raises awareness of the breadth of career paths available to suit every skill set and every passion. Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths and we're determined to encourage more young people to see the sector as a place where they can thrive and build rewarding, long-term futures. Our Aviation Ambassadors are key to making that happen – sharing their own journeys, helping to break down barriers and showing the sky really is the limit. By broadening horizons, we're helping to secure the future of UK aviation while delivering regional growth, jobs and skills. A key part of the ambassadors' role will be inspiring young people from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have previously considered the opportunities or career paths the industry offers. Among the new ambassadors are:
Other new ambassadors include Marcus Sellars, who graduated from Newcastle University last year into a role delivering automation and digital transport integration across the airfield at Teesside International Airport, and David Gardner, a senior firefighter and medical lead for the airport's first responder scheme at Luton Airport. Ambassadors deliver a range of outreach activities, including giving talks in colleges, supporting industry events and promoting aviation careers through online platforms and traditional media. This engagement has reached thousands of people who may never have considered aviation as a career option, including those in underrepresented communities. The initiative is part of the Generation Aviation programme, which sees government and industry working together to help build an aviation workforce fit for the future and to attract diverse, talented people. The new ambassadors will start their roles on 28 January 2026. Ross Priday, former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows and new Aviation Ambassador, said: Aviation gave me a career I could never have imagined, and I want others to see the incredible opportunities this industry offers. Whether someone is fascinated by engineering, drawn to the skies as a pilot, or interested in roles like air traffic control, ground operations or aviation law and insurance, there truly is something for everyone. What's exciting is that there are so many ways in. School leavers, apprentices, graduates, and those looking for a change from other industries can all find their path into aviation. Through my Aviation Ambassador role, I want to show people not just that these exciting careers exist, but exactly how to access them. Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport and new Aviation Ambassador, said: I'm proud and excited to be an aviation ambassador and to share my journey at East Midlands Airport. Aviation is an innovative, fast-moving industry with opportunities for people from all walks of life, and I hope that by sharing my personal career story, I can encourage young people across the region to see it as a career where they can thrive and grow. Alice Goodwin, former Aviation Ambassador, said: Congratulations to the new cohort of Aviation Ambassadors! This programme is a fantastic opportunity for industry professionals to inspire the next generation, showcase the diverse careers aviation offers, and champion the sector as role models. By engaging with schools, speaking at events, and sharing their passion, these ambassadors will play a vital role in closing the aviation skills gap and shaping the future of this exciting industry. Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: Airports and aviation offer a wealth of excellent career opportunities, and it is great to see the next set of sector ambassadors have been appointed to help inspire the next generation. Jobs in this sector will not only provide young people with fulfilling and highly skilled careers but will directly contribute to growing the UK economy and help keep our friends, families and businesses connected with the world. We wish the new ambassadors the best of luck with their new responsibilities and look forward to exploring how we can work with them to increase awareness of the chances offered by aviation. Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: Airlines UK welcomes the appointment of the new Aviation Ambassadors. Our world-class sector depends on a steady pipeline of skilled young people choosing careers in aviation, and this programme plays a practical role in highlighting the varied and exciting range of careers available. By connecting real aviation businesses with schools and colleges, the scheme supports growth, resilience, and the future competitiveness of our fantastic industry. The new ambassadors are:
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