Harlow College has been selected as one of ten schemes to receive funding from the Government's Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund. The College was the first Further Education College to establish a further education college, Stansted Airport College, at a major UK airport and who have been instrumental in the establishment of the College Aviation Network. 

The funding will be used to create a virtual environment with interactive information on career pathways leading to work in the aviation industry. They will also work with partner colleges from the network to create employer endorsed curriculum pathways in aviation operations and aircraft maintenance engineering to inspire and engage young people in the aviation industry.

The Reach for the Sky Challenge has been created for those who have previously struggled to get a foothold in this exciting industry, the ten successful schemes will aim to break down barriers, providing entry points and supporting individuals from underprivileged backgrounds or under-represented groups.

The virtual aviation campus, developed in partnership with Metaverse Hub, will be a web-based immersive and interactive 3D environment that brings to life careers education, information, advice and guidance related to the aviation industry. 

Karen Spencer, Principal and CEO of Harlow College said: “We see real benefit in colleges working together to ensure their curriculum is of the highest standard and is properly aligned to the industry’s needs. Through the College Aviation Network, supported by Talentview Aviation we will develop, with employer endorsement, career pathways in Aviation Operations and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering that present clearer training routes for individuals looking to work in the industry.” 

To find out more about the Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund please contact us at

Read the full statement from the Department for Transport here