Stansted Airport College is launching an innovative virtual aviation campus, designed to expand access to careers in the aviation industry.

As one of just ten initiatives selected for funding through the 2024 Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, backed by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority, this cutting-edge platform provides an interactive, immersive experience for those looking to explore opportunities in aviation.

Developed in collaboration with Talentview Aviation and Metaverse Hub, the web-based 3D environment offers a comprehensive insight into careers, industry pathways, and employer information. Set within a realistic airport setting, users can navigate through a wide range of roles and career insights while accessing resources from leading aviation employers such as British Airways, Emirates, and Manchester Airport Group.

The platform also connects users directly to Talentview Aviation, where they can find apprenticeships, internships and graduate roles. Those unsure of their ideal career path can take the CAA Career Quiz, which helps align personal skills and attributes with potential aviation roles.

This initiative is all about inspiring and opening doors - especially for young people from underprivileged backgrounds or underrepresented communities who may have struggled to break into the industry. With this new virtual platform, exploring a career in aviation has never been more accessible.

Richard Smith, Director of Talentview Aviation, said: “We are excited to be partnering with Reach for the Sky Metaverse, Stansted Airport College and key industry employers and organisations. This truly collaborative effort shines clearly through the Hub, which powerfully brings the aviation industry together as a career destination of choice for the next generation of young people with meaningful, inspiring content and job opportunities.

“We’re confident this immersive experience, paired with seamless interconnectivity to Talentview Aviation - where individuals can access apprenticeships, graduate roles, other early career opportunities, and direct employer connections - will significantly enhance the industry’s future talent pipeline.”

Robert Halfon, Chair of the STAC Advisory Group, said: “Today marks not just the launch of our revolutionary immersive airport experience, but the beginning of a new chapter in aviation education that will transform how we prepare the next generation of aviation professionals.

I'm proud to announce that this initiative is one of just ten selected for funding through the 2024 Reach for the Sky Challenge Fund, supported by the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority.”

Majid Al-Kader, Co-founder and CEO of Metaverse, said: “We are thrilled to have been part of this project with Stansted Airport College. It has been fantastic to create an interactive space where we are making career advice more accessible. This is the first of many Careers Advice and Sector Attraction Hubs that we are planning, and we can't wait to see the positive difference it will make in bringing businesses and potential new candidates together.”

Karen Spencer, Principal and CEO of Stansted Airport College, said: “We are thrilled to unveil our innovative virtual aviation campus at Stansted Airport College. This immersive platform not only democratises access to aviation careers but also inspires the next generation of talent, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. By partnering with industry leaders and using cutting-edge technology, we are committed to providing aspiring aviation professionals with the resources and guidance they need to soar in their careers.”

Take a virtual tour of the airport here

PHOTO L-R
Majid Al-Kader, Co-founder and CEO of Metaverse, Chris Jarman from Talentview Aviation, Rikki Davies from the Civil Aviation Authority, Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College and Stansted Airport College, Robert Halfon, Chair of the STAC Advisory Group, Julien Sample, Executive Director of Business Development at Harlow College and Victoria Claydensmith, Head of Centre at Stansted Airport College