Funding Fuels a Bright Future for Young Women in Cornwall’s Aviation Scene
A government grant of nearly £100,000 is backing a forward-thinking initiative designed to open doors for girls and young women in Cornwall who are curious about aviation, aerospace, and engineering. TECwomen CIC announced that the funding will power its TECgirls Reach for the Sky project, a bold effort to engage, educate and empower the next generation of female aviation professionals in the region.
The grant underscores a growing recognition that Cornwall’s rich aerospace and engineering landscape can benefit from a diverse workforce. By focusing on early exposure, hands-on experiences, and mentorship, TECgirls Reach for the Sky seeks to demystify aviation careers and make them seem attainable for girls who may not have previously considered such paths.
What the TECgirls Reach for the Sky Project Entails
The program is built around a series of practical activities designed to spark interest and build skills. Activities include:
- Hands-on workshops in aircraft technology, cockpit systems, and flight safety
- Mentoring sessions with women currently working in aviation, aerospace, and engineering
- Visits to airports, maintenance bases, and regional aerospace facilities
- Career talks highlighting routes into training, apprenticeships, and university programs
- Female-led problem-solving challenges that encourage teamwork and creativity
Crucially, the project places emphasis on long-term pathways. Participants will have access to guidance on training routes—from apprenticeships to higher education—and a clear map of how academic choices connect to the aviation industry’s needs. The aim is not just to inspire but to equip girls with the confidence and resources to pursue aviation careers in Cornwall and beyond.
Why Cornwall Is a Fitting Arena for This Initiative
Cornwall’s aerospace sector has a growing footprint, supported by regional colleges, universities, and industry partners. The TECgirls Reach for the Sky project aligns with local economic goals by strengthening the STEM talent pipeline and encouraging local girls to consider careers close to home. By fostering connections between schools, training providers, and aviation employers, the program can translate inspiration into tangible opportunities.
Moreover, the initiative responds to national calls for greater gender balance in science, technology, engineering and maths. Encouraging more girls to see themselves as capable engineers, pilots, technicians, and innovators helps to create a more inclusive and resilient aviation sector in the UK as a whole.
What Participants and Communities Can Expect
Eligible participants will gain access to a blend of classroom learning and real-world exposure. The program aims to demystify complex topics, making aviation careers approachable through relatable role models and practical demonstrations. For families and educators, the project provides guidance on supporting girls’ interests in STEM and aviation, reinforcing the message that high-skill aviation roles are accessible with the right training and determination.
Educators and industry partners welcomed the grant, noting that targeted outreach can spark meaningful change. When young women see successful examples and have opportunities to try activities firsthand, the likelihood of pursuing STEM and aviation pathways increases significantly.
Looking Forward: Measuring Impact and Expanding Reach
TECwomen CIC plans to monitor progress through participant feedback, skill assessments, and follow-up surveys to track learners’ progression into further training or employment opportunities. If successful, the program could serve as a model for other regions seeking to bolster women’s representation in aviation and engineering roles.
As the Reach for the Sky initiative unfolds, Cornwall could become a beacon for how targeted investments in youth, women in STEM, and regional industry cooperation can generate lasting benefits — not only for participants but for the broader economy and community.
