An Education That Has No Bounds: The Air and Space Institute Launch An Exciting New Partnership With The Department For Transport

The Air & Space Institute (ASI) welcomes its new and exciting partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT). The Reach for the Sky initiative is an aviation skills programme curated by the UK government aiming to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Striving to make aviation diverse, inclusive and accessible to all - this partnership will enhance our curriculum by providing Aviation Ambassadors from all areas of the sector, who will deliver keynote lectures, experiential support and interactive sessions as part of the campaign.

Through a series of STEM-based activities, events and competitions, ASI and DfT intend to raise the profile of aviation - creating new and improved career pathways whilst ensuring skills and training programmes are more accessible to people of all backgrounds.

Ross Tarnowski, Head of Education and Training for ASI, said, “The Reach for the Sky programme will inspire the next generation of young people progressing into the aviation sector.

“I am excited to be working with the Department for Transport and supporting raising awareness of aviation careers through our educational programmes.”

Attributes of this campaign will boost student engagement and streamline progression opportunities for students within the aviation and space sectors.

Gaining vital employability skills and establishing networks will support students on their academic journey and support them with a prosperous career.

To kickstart this innovative model, Pilot and Aviation Ambassador Tatiana Shevchenko delivered a fantastic and insightful lecture to first and second-year Pilot and Engineer students, she said,” It is vital for aviation ambassadors to come and see young people at various educational institutions.

“These discussions boost the natural curiosity of the young people, triggering their thinking process and vastly improving their understanding of real-life scenarios.

“They are the future generation. They are needed for continuity - to handover to for skills retention and progression in bringing new technologies and ideas forward. Historic aircrafts are maintained and flown by people who are getting older now - this expertise will die if we have no one to pass it along to.”

Ambassador lectures create discourse about hero pilots and real-life scenarios that inspires learners, getting them enthused about a career.

The exchange between student and ambassador is integral in forming aviation connections and gaining valuable skillsets.

Also in attendance, Brian Johnstone MBE was a Naval Aviation Engineer for many years before working for BAE, MOD, and Seaborne Aviation Solutions – his advice focused on enthusiasm and commitment and can facilitate an enjoyable career.

For more information on our Further Education curriculum please head to: 16-18 Study Programmes