London Luton Airport school competition aims to inspire next generation of talent
London Luton Airport (LLA) is aiming to inspire the next generation of aviation stars with the launch of an exciting new competition for local students.
The competition is open to KS3, KS4 and post-16-year-old students at all Luton schools and colleges and is designed to ignite imagination and innovation, develop real-life skills and provide opportunities to experience the crucial roles that make an airport work every day.
Competition entrants for the 11-15 age group category are challenged to create an engaging and creative 90-second video welcoming passengers to LLA, with an emphasis on storytelling and showcasing the best of our community. Competition winners will receive a behind-the-scenes tour of Cranfield University, a world-leading specialist institution with expertise in aerospace and aviation, including its airport and unique aircraft.
The 16+ age group category will invite entrants to design an interactive workshop for students aged 14 and over, highlighting the wide range of careers in aviation, from engineering, operations and fire service, to sustainability, customer experience, digital innovation and security.
The winning entrants will have the chance to experience a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity, flying from LLA to Cranfield in the University’s unique Saab340B National Flying Laboratory Centre aircraft, used exclusively for teaching, research and consultancy.
The competition is being backed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Department for Transport Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund. Last year, LLA successfully applied for a £90,000 grant via the fund that aims to support community outreach projects designed to inspire and create opportunities for those underrepresented in the aviation sector.
Nik Jones, HR Director at London Luton Airport, commented: “London Luton Airport is excited to launch these competitions that aim to foster the creativity, curiosity and essential skills development of pupils from schools and colleges across Luton. This competition highlights LLA’s commitment to local education and skills development and forms part of the airport's wider Classroom to Careers education programme* that encompasses environmental and skills development workshops, apprenticeships, university partnerships and work experience placements.
"Our long-standing relationship with Cranfield University means we have two incredible prizes to offer and, with everything to play for, our message to the next generation of aspiring aviation professionals in our town is ‘grab the opportunity to get involved with both hands and let your creativity flow’!”
Professor Anna Smallwood, Head of Air Transport Management, Cranfield University, said: “At Cranfield University, we are passionate about aviation and aerospace so we are delighted to partner with London Luton Airport and highlight the breadth of opportunities that exist in air transport. This competition is a fantastic way to spark curiosity, build confidence and connect classroom learning with real-world careers. By working together with London Luton Airport, we are proud to help inspire a diverse, ambitious next generation of talent who will shape the future of our industry.”
Students seeking further information on the competition and the award submission process should do so via their school’s career lead.