Government appoints new cohort of aviation ambassadors to inspire future generations
The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a new cohort of 10 Aviation Ambassadors who will work to encourage young people across the country to consider careers in the aviation sector, in roles ranging from engineering and piloting to air traffic control and ground operations.
Former aviation ambassador Alice Goodwin
The ambassadors, who begin their voluntary roles with immediate effect, are part of DfT’s Generation Aviation programme, which aims to help build a skilled and diverse workforce for the future of UK aviation.
Aviation Minister Keir Mather said, “Aviation is full of exciting opportunities and fulfilling career paths and we’re determined to encourage 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 down barriers and showing the 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.”
The ambassadors are experienced aviation professionals who are expected to engage with schools and colleges, host workshops and promote the breadth of aviation careers through social media and public outreach.
Ross Priday, former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows and one of the new ambassadors, 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.”
Lauren Turner, Operations Director at East Midlands Airport and also a newly appointed ambassador, said she was “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, a former ambassador, added, “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.”
The full list of new Aviation Ambassadors is:
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 in Bradford
Ross Priday, CEO of a business delivering aviation safety risk advisory services and former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, based in Wales
Sigourney Ansah, an aspiring commercial pilot who has previously worked for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, based in London
Sam Higgins, student outreach manager for British Airways, based in London
Ken Eckersall, director of KenEck, which delivers aviation outreach through portable flight simulators, based in Wigan
David Gardner, an aviation firefighter 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, former Service Recovery Manager at Heathrow and founder of social media channel The Aviation Mentor, based in London
and Marcus Sellars, Aviation Automation and Digital Transport Integration Lead at Tees Valley Combined Authority, based in Darlington.