UK CAA STEM Interactive Career Map
Introduction
The UK CAA’s STEM Career Map offers young people an engaging and interactive journey into the world of aviation and aerospace careers, developed in collaboration with the UK Aviation Industry Skills Board (AISB) group. Designed to open eyes to an unusually wide range of roles beyond the cockpit or cabin, the map features pathways through everything from engineering and air-traffic control to space operations and environmental roles. It highlights how studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) provide the foundation for entry via apprenticeships, graduate programmes, work-experience or even military routes. The aim is to inspire and support young people, especially those perhaps unfamiliar with aviation, to discover a future in a dynamic industry that’s inclusive, fast-moving and rich in variety.
Purpose of the program / objectives
Aim
Inspiring young people to explore careers in STEM, Aviation and Aerospace, to support and encourage their future career choices.
Objectives
Positively support efforts to increase diversity with a focus on addressing root causes which prevent inclusivity.
Understanding ambitions and interests of all currently underrepresented groups to create opportunities which are inclusive and engaging for all.
Challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about careers in STEM Aviation & Aerospace.
Where possible, influence industry to keep encouraging & supporting STEM.
Intended audience
The UK CAA STEM Career Map has been designed as an accessible and inspiring resource for people of all ages and backgrounds who are curious about careers in aviation and aerospace. While it is particularly valuable for students, educators, and careers advisers supporting young people exploring STEM pathways, the map also offers insight for parents, career changers, and anyone interested in the industry’s diverse opportunities. Its interactive format and clear, engaging content make it suitable for use in schools, colleges, community events, and professional development settings, helping individuals at any stage of their learning or career journey discover how their skills and interests can take flight within the aviation and aerospace sector.
Description / how it was implemented
The UK CAA STEM Career Map originated from an idea developed by the UK CAA STEM Team, who identified a clear gap in accessible guidance to help young people understand the full range of careers available across the aviation and aerospace sector. Recognising the need for a resource that could make these pathways more visible and engaging, the team conceptualised the Career Map as an interactive tool to bridge that gap. To ensure the resource was comprehensive and reflective of real industry opportunities, the UK CAA reached out to the UK Aviation Industry Skills Board (AISB) group for collaboration and support. Together, we brought in expert insights from across industry, education, and training organisations, shaping a tool that highlights the many entry routes, such as apprenticeships, degrees, and vocational pathways, into aviation and aerospace. The implementation focused on building a digital, interactive platform that could be easily used by students, teachers, careers advisers, and parents alike. Through this partnership, the UK CAA STEM Career Map has become a fun, visually engaging, and practical resource that helps individuals of all ages explore where their interests in STEM can take them in this diverse and dynamic industry.
Impacts / Outcomes
Since its launch, the UK CAA STEM Career Map has had a significant impact on raising awareness and understanding of the wide range of careers within the aviation and aerospace industry. It has become a go-to resource for UK STEM ambassadors when delivering outreach, the Department for Transport and youth organisations looking to inspire young people to consider STEM-based pathways. The interactive design has proven particularly effective in engaging students of all ages, helping them connect their personal interests and academic choices with real-world roles across engineering, safety, flight operations, sustainability, and emerging technologies. Feedback from schools and industry partners has highlighted how the map supports more informed career conversations, broadens perceptions beyond traditional pilot and cabin crew roles, and encourages greater diversity and inclusion in future talent pipelines. By bringing together insights from across the sector, the tool has also strengthened collaboration between education and industry, ensuring that young people are better equipped to pursue the exciting opportunities available in aviation and aerospace.
Lessons learned
Developing the UK CAA STEM Career Map provided several key lessons that can guide future initiatives in STEM career guidance. First, it highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and education, showing that engaging stakeholders, from schools and careers advisers to industry experts, ensures the resource is both accurate and relevant. Second, it reinforced that interactivity and visual appeal are crucial in capturing the interest of young people, making career exploration more engaging than static information alone. Third, the project demonstrated the value of co-creation with the audience, incorporating feedback from students and educators early and often to make the tool user-friendly and inclusive. Finally, the development process underscored the need to continually update content to reflect emerging roles and technologies, ensuring the Career Map remains a living resource that keeps pace with the rapidly evolving aviation and aerospace sector. These lessons have informed not only the current map but also broader UK CAA STEM outreach and engagement strategies.
Web link
Organisation name
UK Civil Aviation Authority
Contact
Authors and Contributors
Brenda Jefcoate – STEM & Aviation Skills Consultant – UK CAA
Sophie Jones – Head of Customer Experience & STEM Sponsor – UK CAA
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