Generation Aviation Group

The Generation Aviation Group works with the Department for Transport to deliver the Generation Aviation programme.

Generation Aviation is a multistream programme that helps build an aviation workforce fit for the future by raising the profile of aviation careers, removing barriers to access and attracting diverse and talented people to tackle new technologies, decarbonisation and other emerging trends.

Terms of reference

The Generation Aviation Group is made up of government departments, the aviation and aerospace industries, the third sector and other interested parties that work with the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the Generation Aviation programme. This work includes:

  • addressing short-term resourcing challenges skills and workforce challenges
  • addressing long-term skills shortages to ensure the workforce is fit for the future
  • improving diversity, accessibility and inclusivity in the sector
  • attracting the next generation of people into aviation careers

Generation Aviation programme workstreams

Generation Aviation is a multistream programme that addresses short- and long-term skills gaps and recruitment barriers. The 5 most significant areas of work are:

Outreach

DfT funds the work of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) programme. The CAA STEM team is a significant outreach partner for Generation Aviation. It funds organisations to support the aim of inspiring young people to explore careers in STEM, aviation and aerospace. It also hosts the CAA STEM website.

Working closely with the CAA STEM team and our outreach partners, we will raise awareness of aviation careers and inspire people to join the sector.

The Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund 2023 to 2025 recipients have been announced. The fund is in its second year and has made £750,000 available for aviation-focused outreach projects and schemes.

DfT also provides funding to Aerobility, a charity that aims to provide disabled people access to the magic of flying. In addition, the Virtual Aerobility programme provides a unique gateway to:

  • personal support
  • enjoying an interest in aircraft
  • the opportunity to participate remotely in courses that may unlock access to roles beyond working as a pilot

Signposting training, careers and opportunities

A number of government departments, arm’s length bodies and aviation organisations collaborate to signpost aviation opportunities and improve career pathways. We’re working to ensure a range of apprenticeship standards are available across the sector and collaborating with industry to use them and develop more.

To support the aviation workforce following the COVID-19 pandemic, DfT funded the Aviation Skills Recruitment Platform and Talentview Aviation. We continue to work with the Department for Work and Pensions to raise awareness of aviation roles and early careers opportunities through work coaches, schools’ careers advisors and targeted recruitment events.

Championing the sector

With support from our Aviation Ambassadors and other partners, Generation Aviation ensures we raise the profile of the aviation sector, deliver enhanced outreach activities and develop and promote career pathways to inspire the next generation and raise the profile of the aviation sector.

Working in partnership with industry

Industry is a core part of the Generation Aviation group. Government works closely with industry, including the Aviation Industry Skills Board and the Aviation Council, to understand recruitment, training and skills pinch points.

DfT also works with the International Civil Aviation Organization, other countries, international industry and trade associations to understand the global skills challenges, share best practice and deliver initiatives internationally.

Driving research and data

DfT funds and encourages research into priorities in the aviation sector to articulate the skills gaps and emerging trends to inform decision-making.

In May 2023, independent research, conducted by SYSTRA and Northpoint on behalf of DfT, was published on the options for addressing the cost of pilot training.

In addition, the future aviation skills strategy research, an independent report which assesses the future skills needs within the aviation sector was published in November 2023.

Newsletter

​We produce a quarterly newsletter on aviation issues. You may subscribe to this newsletter by contacting us with your details.

Contact details

GenerationAviation@dft.gov.uk