easyJet hopes to inspire future generation of aviators
Children aged 7 – 12 will have the chance to go behind the scenes at easyJet's training centre for hands on training experiences with real pilots and crew
easyJet has launched a Summer Flight School to inspire more children to get into aviation and overturn gendered stereotypes of jobs like pilots and cabin crew.
The free course is aimed at kids aged 7-12 and will take off from August 21 at easyJet’s London Gatwick training centre. Places are available to book as of today.
The first-of-its-kind event by the airline will offer children the opportunity to take the controls of an Airbus A320 flight simulator, learn what it takes to provide the best inflight service to passengers and find out from easyJet pilots and cabin crew about their jobs and how they got there.
easyJet has launched the initiative after a poll of 2,000 British parents and their children found that two-thirds (66 percent) of British parents still believe there are misconceptions that being a pilot is a job for men rather than women and that most parents (86 percent) believe that gender stereotypes of jobs start at primary school age.
“We’re delighted to be taking families behind the scenes with our new Summer Flight School, not only to offer a unique and exciting day out during the school holidays, but also one we hope will inspire the next generation of pilots and cabin crew, showing young people that their aspirations don’t have to be limited by outdated stereotypes and help broaden their horizons,” said Jane Storm, Chief People Officer for easyJet in an August 7 press release.
“Increasing diversity in all of its forms across our airline and creating an inclusive environment where people can be themselves at work is incredibly important to us and is a long-term focus for easyJet, so we will continue to lead the industry on this issue,” she added.
“At school I was told that being a pilot wasn’t a suitable career option for me, so I know from first-hand experience how important it is to challenge these misconceptions, which we know can start from a young age. Role models and awareness of our jobs as pilots and crew are such an important part of this and so I’m delighted that our Summer School will give children that opportunity this summer - even their first taste of flying an aircraft!” said easyJet Training Captain Kate West in the same release.
