Introduction
The UK CAA STEM programme was launched in June 2020 with funding from the UK Department for Transport (DfT). Over five years, the CAA STEM programme has significantly expanded in terms of funding, reach, and impact. To date, the programme has reached over 250,000 young people, helping to inform, inspire, and influence their future career choices through various partnerships and delivery activities. The programme is set up with a small, committed team responsible for the delivery of outreach programmes, initiatives and resource creation and development. The programme is delivered through CAA colleagues who volunteer to share their expertise and skills to demonstrate the breadth of aviation and aerospace careers.
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 programme is designed for young people in education, to inspire, promote and and prepare them for career pathways into the aviation and aerospace workforce.
Description / how it was implemented
Applications for funding are made available on an annual basis for resources and planned activities and initiatives.
From application it assessed through a grant panel process
The grant panel are looking for demonstration of value, impact, benefits, planned delivery, regional diversity, risk of non-delivery and are aligned with the UK priorities.
The initiatives available as part of the STEM programme include a dedicated website, providing a central resource, Aviation and Aerospace Duke of Edinburgh related skills activities, Virtual work experience opportunities, career map and guidance on specific roles and entry routes in, links to other organisation resources, details of events, downloadable activities, educational games.
Impacts / Outcomes
Lessons learned
Requesting funding on an annual basis can be challenging on an for resources from a recruitment and retention perspective.
Impact on some initiatives is difficult to measure because of safeguarding young people and their personal data.
Impact reports are provided by organisations who support the programme and provide valuable insights to demonstrate benefits of the programme.
Web link
Organization name
UK Civil Aviation Authority
Contact
Authors and Contributors
Sophie Jones – Head of Customer Experience & STEM Sponsor
Tags
| Language(s) | English |
| Copyright information (if applicable) | N/A |
| Region (select from dropdown or global) | UK, Europe |
| Country | UK |
| Audience (Elementary school, high school, college student, adult, retiree) | School, high school, college, university |
| Age range applicable (Under 11, 12-17, 18-21, 21-65, 65+) | Under 11, 12-17, 18-25 |
| Industry area (Airport, Airline, Cargo, Ground handling, Aerospace, Maintenance, Air traffic management, Operations, Government and regulatory, military, other) | All |
| Job type (Technical, Operations, Policy, Legal, Finance, Information technology, other, any) | All |
| Keywords (up to 10) | STEM, Aviation, Aerospace, Young people, work experience, duke of Edinburgh, resources, careers |
| Purpose (attraction, outreach, retention, skills development, careers) | Attraction, outreach, careers |
| Content type (Best practice, case study, analysis, report, guidance) | Case study |