LONDON, Jan. 15 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:

* 10 industry professionals appointed toinspireyoung people into aviation careersinthe industry,futureproofingthe sectorand upskilling young Brits * next cohort ofvolunteerswillstartthis month,including a former Red Arrows Chief Engineer and Operations Director of East Midlands Airport, to shine a light onthewide range of aviationjobs and to encourage recruits from diverse backgrounds * supportsgovernment'smissionto deliver growthand opportunity, helping young people into skilled jobs andfurtheringthe UK's world-leading reputation inaviation

Thousandsofyoungpeopleacross the UK will be inspired to pursue excitingand rewardingcareers in aviation as the governmentconfirmsthe next cohort ofAviationAmbassadorstoday (15January2026).

The ambassadorsaresuccessfulaviation professionals who promote jobs, skills and training in the sectorbygoing into schools, hosting workshops, and using social mediato reach primary, secondaryand college students across England.

From ground handling and airfield safetytocommercial 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 toencourage 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 downbarriersand showingthe 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 theambassadors'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:

* Former Red ArrowsChief Engineer, Ross Priday,from South Wales,whowillinspire young people by sharinghis wide range ofexperiences andbridgingthe gap between aviation and aerospace careers. * Lauren Turner, airport Operations Director.Lauren has risen through the ranks at East Midlands AirportfromSecurity Officer tooverseeing the entire airport operationin 13 years, becoming aself-led aviationsuccess storywhowillchampionapprenticeships andsupportpathways into aviation. * Miguel Cabrera Vivas, London-basedaviation influencer and former Heathrowinternalprogressionlead, also known asThe Aviation Mentor. Miguel usessocial media andin-personsessionstopromote aviation as an accessible career choice.

Other new ambassadors include MarcusSellars, who graduated from Newcastle Universitylastyearinto a roledeliveringautomation and digital transport integration across the airfieldatTeessideInternational Airport, and DavidGardner, aseniorfirefighterand medical lead for the airport's first responder schemeat 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 engagementhas reached thousands of peoplewho 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 on28January 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.

LaurenTurner, 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 sectordepends on a steady pipeline of skilled young peoplechoosing careers in aviation, and this programme plays a practical role inhighlightingthe varied and exciting range of careersavailable. By connecting real aviation businesses with schools and colleges, the scheme supports growth, resilience, and the future competitiveness ofour fantastic industry.

The new ambassadors are: 

* Emma Garnham -Training and Compliance Director for DHL, a ground handler, based in London * Abdullah Bin Sajid Butt -Customer Operations Coordinator at Jet2.com, based inBradford * Ross Priday- CEO of a business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services to industry. Previously served as Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, based in Wales * Sigourney Ansah -an aspiring commercial pilot,who haspreviously workedfor British Airways and Virgin Atlanticat theirhead offices, based in London * Sam Higgins - student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London * Ken Eckersall -director ofKenEck, a company which delivers aviation outreach to schools and colleges through portable flight simulators,FlightDeckPC, based inWigan * David Gardner -aviation fire fighter and medical lead for Luton Airport's first responder scheme, based in Luton * Lauren Turner -Operations Director at East Midlands Airport, based in the Midlands. * Miguel Cabrera Vivas -formerServiceRecoveryManager at Heathrowand founder of'The Aviation Mentor' social media channels with 177,000 likes and 6,000 followers, based in London * Marcus Sellars -Aviation Automation and Digital Transport Integration Lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority, based in theDarlington

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